Contemporary skyscrapers and unique historic buildings are just an example of what one may discover on this walking tour of La Paz. Below is the list of some of the architectural jewels of the city.
1) Casa Murillo
This museum is the former home of the most important freedom fighter in Bolivia, Don Pedro Domingo Murillo. He was hanged in 1810 by the Spaniards. The museum currently houses an exhibition with items from those times. On the ground floor, you can see a glass paneled display case "Plantas Los Calientes", containing Wira Wira and Manzanilla. In addition, there are native costumes and puppets displayed alongside everyday objects. Five beautiful paintings are showcased in upstairs rooms, plus crowns and various objects used daily, and from this time period.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and riunegro
2) Metropolitan Cathedral of La Paz
Constructed in 1835, the cathedral is an extraordinary edifice well worth visiting. The Cathedral of La Paz is located in the central square, which is Plaza Murillo, named after Pedro Domingo Murrillo, who led a revolution against the Spanish. At the corner of the yellow edifice, adjacent to the cathedral, is the Presidential Palace. The tradition of clustering main edifices around the central square comes from the colonial period. The cathedral was built in 1720, and has both historical and architectural significance for La Paz.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Pablo H
3) Banco Central de Bolivia
The Central Bank of Bolivia in La Paz is responsible for financial procedures and the distribution of banknotes. It was built in 1928. One of the bank's primary responsibilities in the Bolivian economy is controlling the financial and economic segments. These financial decisions “live” in an impressive and well preserved building, which attracts the attention of tourists, as well as local people. The city La Paz is proud to have such an important historical and financial building in its architecture.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Elias Bizannes
4) Biblioteca Municipal "Mariscal Andrés de Santa Cruz"
The Mariscal Andrés de Santa Cruz Public Library was founded in 1838. As a source of free public information, it constitutes a local first step to information, makes available the essential environment for life-long study, cultural growth and self-determining decisions made by individuals and social groups. They have the belief that this library is a living and strong center for learning, culture and knowledge, and that it is an important instrument for nurturing harmony and spiritual interests throughout the population.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Tatyana Zayseva
5) Fondo Comercial de Pensiones
Fondo Comercial de Pensiones in the city of La Paz, is to be found in La Plaza del Estudiante. It is a contemporary glass–fronted edifice and is the acclaimed future of Bolivia. The institution has a broad range of resources, covering many benefit classes, in support of Bolivian Pension businesses. Everybody who passes by will be amazed by the beautiful color and design of this modern building.
6) Americas Building
Americas Building in La Paz is one of the first modern buildings built in the city. It has a very streamlined and simple design. The building is s mixture of strong, elegant, flexible, and easily maintained architecture. It shares its space with apartments and offices. At the bottom of it there is a very nice restaurant where locals and staff, who work and live there, meet for lunches or dinners.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Rodrigo Achá