Plaza Murillo Square

Address: Plaza Murillo, Centro Histórico, La Paz, Bolivia

Hours: Open 24 hours (public square)

Admission: Free (public square)

Plaza Murillo is the main civic square in La Paz, Bolivia, surrounded by the Government Palace, the Cathedral and legislative buildings. It is the administrative and symbolic heart of the city and the national government when institutions are in La Paz.

The plaza is used for official ceremonies, public gatherings and daily pedestrian circulation in the historic centre. Architectural styles around the square span colonial and republican periods, reflecting La Paz’s long urban history.

The square developed during the colonial era and became the focal point for municipal and national institutions; surrounding buildings have been rebuilt and restored over centuries to house government and religious functions. It remains central to civic life and public demonstrations.

Plaza Murillo sits in central La Paz within the city’s upper urban district at a high Andean altitude, near major streets and public transport nodes that connect the city centre with surrounding neighbourhoods.

• High altitude location: The square sits at high altitude in central La Paz - the city centre around the plaza is above 3,500 metres, which can affect visitors unaccustomed to elevation.
• Political centre: Plaza Murillo is the political heart of Bolivia’s national institutions when the legislature and executive are in La Paz, making it a focal point for civic ceremonies and protests.

What to See#

• Palacio Quemado / Government Palace: The Presidential (Government) Palace that faces one side of the plaza and functions as the seat of the Bolivian executive branch when in La Paz.
• Cathedral of La Paz: The Metropolitan Cathedral of La Paz, another principal building around the square, with historic façades facing the plaza.

Plaza Murillo is in the historic centre of La Paz, adjacent to the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral. It’s best reached on foot from El Prado and the surrounding central streets where many city buses and colectivos stop; the square is a short walk from the main commercial streets (Calle Comercio/Calle Linares). If using the Mi Teleférico (cable car), get off at a central station serving the old town and walk down into the Plaza - routes and stops vary by line, so check the current network map.

• Visit in the morning when government buildings are quiet and the light on the cathedral and presidential palace is best for photography.
• Approach the square from Calle Comercio or the Calle Jaén area to connect easily with nearby colonial museums that many visitors overlook.
• Check for official ceremonies or protests before you go - Plaza Murillo is a political focus in La Paz and events can temporarily restrict access.