Plaza de Bolívar Bogotá: History, Landmarks, and What to See
- Mark Vogel
- Aug 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Bogotá, Colombia ✈
On my visit to Bogotá, I set aside time to explore Plaza de Bolívar, the central square of the city and one of the most important public spaces in Colombia. The plaza has been at the center of Bogotá’s history since the city’s founding in 1538, and today it remains both a symbolic and practical center of government, religion, and daily activity. To get there, I took an Uber from my hotel, the Hilton Bogotá. The ride to the plaza was about fifteen minutes and it was a direct and simple way to reach the heart of the historic center without having to figure out local bus routes. For visitors staying in other parts of the city, taxis and rideshare services are reliable ways to reach the plaza, though Bogotá also has an extensive TransMilenio bus system that stops nearby.
“From a historical perspective, Plaza de Bolívar has always been the center of Bogotá’s public life. In colonial times, it hosted markets, bullfights, and festivals.”
Arriving at Plaza de Bolívar, the first impression is its scale. The square is expansive, open, and paved in stone, with people scattered throughout at almost all hours of the day. This has been the principal square of the city since the colonial period, and over centuries it has witnessed independence rallies, presidential speeches, religious ceremonies, and mass protests. It is a place where Colombia’s political and social life has unfolded in the open, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding Bogotá beyond the surface.
At the center of the plaza stands the bronze statue of Simón Bolívar, the liberator of much of South America from Spanish rule. The statue was erected in 1846 and was the first public monument in the city. Bolívar is depicted in military uniform, standing upright, with his cape draped over one shoulder. Around the base of the monument, it is common to see children playing, tourists taking photos, and locals sitting on the steps. The statue is not only a work of art but also a focal point of national pride, since Bolívar remains a key figure in Colombian identity.
One of the defining features of Plaza de Bolívar is the way it is framed by some of the most important buildings in the country. On the southern side is the imposing Capitolio Nacional, or National Capitol. This neoclassical building houses the Colombian Congress and took nearly a century to complete, with construction beginning in 1847 and finishing in 1926. Its stone façade and large columns give it a sense of permanence, and from the plaza it dominates the southern view. Security is present around the building, but visitors can still appreciate the architectural details and the way it anchors the governmental presence in the square.
To the north of the plaza stands the Palacio de Justicia, or Palace of Justice. The current structure dates from the late 20th century after previous versions of the building were destroyed, most notably in 1985 during a violent siege. The palace houses Colombia’s Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and other judicial bodies. Its modern style contrasts with the colonial and republican buildings around it, reflecting both the tragedies and resilience of Colombian institutions. Looking at it from the plaza, one is reminded that this space has not only been a ceremonial center but also the stage for moments of conflict that shaped the nation’s history.
On the western side of the plaza is the Palacio Liévano, the seat of the Bogotá City Hall. This building features French-influenced architecture with arched windows, ornate details, and a long façade stretching across the plaza. It serves as the office of the mayor and municipal government. The Palacio Liévano was rebuilt in the 20th century after earlier buildings on the site had been destroyed, and today it gives the western side of the plaza a symmetrical and elegant character. It is one of the most photogenic structures, particularly in the afternoon light.
Perhaps the most striking building on the plaza is the Catedral Primada de Colombia, located on the eastern side. The cathedral is the largest in the country and an essential part of Bogotá’s religious history. Construction began in the early 19th century on the site of earlier churches dating back to the city’s founding. Its neoclassical façade, twin towers, and expansive interior make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bogotá. From the plaza, visitors can admire its symmetry, stonework, and the way it towers above the square. The cathedral is still active, hosting regular services, and its presence underscores the historic role of the Catholic Church in Colombian society.
Adjacent to the cathedral is the Capilla del Sagrario, a smaller chapel with a distinct baroque style. Although smaller in scale, the chapel complements the cathedral and adds another layer to the religious significance of the plaza. Taken together, the cathedral and chapel form the eastern edge of the square and provide a sharp contrast to the government buildings on the opposite side.
Another building of note is the Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé, located on the southeastern corner of the plaza. This Jesuit school dates back to the early 17th century and has played a major role in the education of many Colombian leaders. Its colonial architecture adds another historical layer to the square, linking it not only to politics and religion but also to education and intellectual life.
Walking across the plaza, one cannot help but notice the large number of pigeons that have made it their home. They gather in flocks across the stone pavement, often surrounding people who buy small bags of corn from street vendors to feed them. Children in particular enjoy letting the pigeons land on their arms and shoulders, and it is common to see tourists posing for photos covered in birds. The pigeons are so numerous that they have become a defining characteristic of the square, almost as much as the buildings themselves. While some people might find them a nuisance, they contribute to the everyday life of the plaza and are a familiar sight to anyone who spends time there.
The atmosphere in Plaza de Bolívar is shaped not only by the architecture and statues but also by the constant movement of people. Tourists from around the world come to take photos and learn about Colombian history. Street vendors sell snacks, drinks, and small souvenirs, while others rent out llamas for tourists to pose with. Demonstrations and rallies are common, reflecting the plaza’s ongoing role as a place where Colombians gather to voice their opinions. On any given day, the square feels alive with activity, a blend of official business, leisure, and civic expression.
From a historical perspective, Plaza de Bolívar has always been the center of Bogotá’s public life. In colonial times, it hosted markets, bullfights, and festivals. It was originally known as Plaza Mayor, and its layout followed the Spanish colonial tradition of placing the main square at the center of the city, surrounded by the most important religious and governmental buildings. In the 19th century, as Colombia transitioned from colony to republic, the square became a space for political gatherings and celebrations of independence. Its renaming in honor of Simón Bolívar further tied it to the national identity.
Spending time in the plaza also allows one to appreciate Bogotá’s altitude and climate. At over 8,600 feet above sea level, the air feels thinner, and the weather can change quickly from sun to rain within the same hour. Many people carry umbrellas or jackets, and the stone pavement of the plaza reflects these shifts in weather. Even with the changing skies, the square maintains a steady stream of visitors, locals, and officials going about their routines.
Plaza de Bolívar encapsulates Colombia’s layers of history in a single space. The colonial roots are visible in the Jesuit school and the chapel. The republican period is represented by the Capitol and the statue of Bolívar. The modern struggles and resilience of the country are symbolized in the Palace of Justice. The cathedral connects the city to its religious heritage, while the constant presence of people and pigeons shows that this is not just a monument but a lived space.
For travelers visiting Bogotá, the plaza is easy to include in a walking tour of the historic center. From the square, it is possible to explore nearby attractions such as the Museo del Oro, which is only a few blocks away, and the Museo Botero, which houses works by Colombia’s most famous artist. Narrow streets lined with colonial buildings extend from the square, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. Cafés and restaurants nearby provide good places to rest after exploring.
In total, my time at Plaza de Bolívar was about two hours, enough to walk around, take in the details of each building, observe the life of the square, and photograph the statue and pigeons. It is not a place one visits once and forgets, because its importance extends beyond tourism. For Colombians, it is the place where the state, church, and people meet. For visitors, it provides a window into the country’s struggles, achievements, and identity.
Leaving the square, I reflected on how many capitals have central plazas or squares, but few combine so many aspects of national life in one location. Plaza de Bolívar is not only Bogotá’s main square; it is Colombia’s stage for history in real time.
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