Plaza de Bolívar

Plaza de Bolívar is the principal public square in Bogotá, Colombia, and the historic and political heart of the city. It is surrounded by the nation’s most important civic and religious buildings.

The open paved square is framed by the Primatial Cathedral, the National Capitol (Congress), the Palacio de Justicia and the Liévano Palace (city hall), forming a compact ensemble of government and ecclesiastical architecture. It is used for official ceremonies, demonstrations and public gatherings.

The plaza dates to the colonial foundation of Bogotá in the 16th century and has remained the city’s main civic space through successive political eras, hosting major public events and official ceremonies. Many of the surrounding buildings were rebuilt or reworked in the 19th century to house national institutions.

Plaza de Bolívar sits in the historic La Candelaria district of central Bogotá, within walking distance of many museums and colonial streets in the downtown area.

• Historical role: The plaza has served as Bogotá's civic and ceremonial centre since the city's colonial foundation in the 16th century.

What to See #

• Primatial Cathedral: The Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá sits on the square's east side and is the principal Roman Catholic church in the city, with a long colonial façade.
• National Capitol: The National Capitol houses Colombia's Congress and forms the square's western backdrop, with its neoclassical façade dating to the 19th century.
• Palacio de Justicia: The Palacio de Justicia occupies the square's north side and contains Colombia's judiciary institutions and courtrooms.
• Liévano Palace: The Liévano Palace faces the square and houses Bogotá's city hall offices and mayoral functions.