Culture of Bogota. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Start your observation of the city by making a walk in the central area of Bogota. Here is located the oldest square of the city called Plaza Bolivar. The square was founded in the beginning of the 19th century. In the center of the square you will find a monument dedicated to the first president of the country. Nowadays this square is a constant venue for numerous important social events and holidays. Not far away from the square you will find an ancient cathedral, the construction of which took place in the beginning of the 17th century. In 1998 the church was completely restored, so now visitors are able to see it in all its glory. Near the church have been buried several prominent political figures and artists of Colombia. The graves of these famous people are also important sightseeing objects. Make a short walk away from the square, and you will see Presidential Palace. Every day a huge number of people gather near the palace in order to enjoy its beauty. However, not the beauty of the building itself attracts such a great number of visitors. Every day here takes place a beautiful ceremony of changing of guards, which takes place daily at 17:00.

Palace of Justice is located to the north of the square. The building was severely damaged during the hostilities. However, thanks to the work of contemporary architects, the building has been fully restored and now stands in full glory. Among other attractions of the central district of Bogota we should definitely mention numerous churches, such as San Francisco, Santa Clara, La Concepción, San Ignacio, La Tercero, La Candelaria and Nuestra Señora del Carmen. Bogota is home to a huge number of ancient architectural sites that have preserved here for centuries. A beautiful mansion of Casa de Poesia Silva is a true pride of the capital. This amazing building, which is constructed in full accordance with the national traditions, amazes its visitors not only by its elegant and beautiful architectural forms, but also by its design and luxurious premises. Currently the beautiful mansion hosts the exhibition of Museum of Poetry.

Tourists should also not forget to visit Luis Angel Arango building, which currently hosts one of the oldest municipal libraries. Many interesting excursion sites are located in the district of Nueva Santa Fe. Plaza de Satander is a great place for walking. The square is a beloved place for everyday performances of street musicians. This is also a great place to purchase souvenirs. The square is surrounded by beautiful old mansions. University of Rosario is known as one of the most famous landmarks of this part of the city. Fans of art should definitely visit museum Museo de Arte Moderno, which exhibits the richest collection of art in the country. Elegant sculptures and statues, tapestries and paintings of marvelous beauty, ancient vases and ornaments – simply every exhibit in this museum is a unique historical artifact. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The list of churches however does not end on this. Everyone knows the religiosity of Latin Americans, and that of Colombians is not an exception in this case. The Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe is a beautiful church, whose most remarkable value is the monument to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The church was built in the year 1795 in the classical style. The building itself is located on a hill, due to which it can be seen from anywhere in the city. Of course the city itself can be seen in all its glory, only by climbing to the shrine on a funicular. The Iglesia Nuestra Senora de Lourdes is considered attractive from an architectural point of view. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century in a “neo-gothic” style. The church has a very good acoustics.

The highest building in Bogota is the Torre Colpatria. You can look at the city from this building, which is located at the feet of the beholder. Great views open up to the mount of Montserrat. There are several interesting palaces in the capital of Colombia. At such, the Palacio de Nariño, which is currently the residence of the Colombian president, was rebuilt in the style of “neo-classicism” in the beginning of the 20th century. Until that moment, the building was known as the house in which the family of the future reformer, Antonio Nariño, lived from 1754. Next to the palace is another interesting building called Palacio Echeverry. This building was also constructed in the beginning of the 20th century. The chosen style was “neo-classicism”. The building houses the Colombian Ministry of Culture.

Walking through the Plaza de Bolivar, you can find a building unusual for the architecture of Bogota – namely, the Capitolio Nacional. The building is impressive with its unusually beautiful facade. It is worth noting that the square is the busiest in the city; performances, concerts, rallies, and folk festivals are often held here. Another interesting building on the square is Palacio Arzobispal, which is remarkable from a historical point of view. You will also find it fascinating to visit the Colegio Mayor San Bartolome, which is the oldest school in the capital of Colombia (it was founded in the year 1604). It can also be found at the Plaza de Bolivar. The exterior of the school is equally interesting – its facade, dome, tower.

Another place worth visiting is the Plaza de Toros Santamaria. The presence of this building in Bogota relates to the fact that the country was once a Spanish colony. In addition to bullfighting, interesting performances are often held here, you just need to follow the billboard. From among the museums, it is worth first of all highlighting the Museo del Oro – this is a kind of a trademark of the capital of Colombia, which was once considered the very Eldorado. To get acquainted with the history of the struggle of the state for independence from Spain, it is worth paying a visit to the Museo de la Indepencia Casa del Florero.