La Candelaria, Bogota

La Candelaria, Bogota

La Candelaria is the 17th locality of Bogotá. A historic neighborhood in the city's downtown, it is the equivalent to the Old City in other cities. The architecture of the old houses, churches and buildings has Spanish Colonial, Baroque and art deco styles. It houses several universities, libraries and museums.

It is made up of the neighborhoods La Catedral, La Concordia, Las Aguas, Centro Administrativo, Egipto, Belén, San Francisco Rural, Nueva Santa Fe and Santa Bárbara. The city was founded there on August 6, 1538 and the first church was built, this town encompasses the historic center of Bogotá, as well as an important tourist, educational and commercial center.

Teusaquillo (today Chorro de Quevedo) was a resting place for the Muisca ruler called Zipa. It is believed that in this place Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded, on August 6, 1538, what would become the City of Bogotá. The town takes its name from the colonial Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.

In La Candelaria is the site of the formal foundation of the city, the Plaza Mayor known today as Plaza de Bolívar. Around it are the Capitolio Nacional (seat of the Congress of Colombia), the Palace of Justice (seat of the Supreme Court of Justice), the Palacio Liévano (seat of the Mayor's Office of Bogotá), the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá, the Chapel del Sagrario and the Archbishop's Palace (seat of the Archbishop "Cardinal seat").

In addition to the Capitolio and the Palace of Justice, other important seats of national power located in the place are the Casa de Nariño (seat of the Presidency of the Republic and presidential residence), and the Palacio de San Carlos (seat of the Chancellery or Ministry of International Relations).
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bogota. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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La Candelaria on Map

Sight Name: La Candelaria
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Bogota, Colombia

Create Your Own Walk in Bogota

Create Your Own Walk in Bogota

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bogota is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bogota Old Town Walking Tour

Bogota Old Town Walking Tour

In 1538, the indigenous Muisca of the Colombian Altiplano had the advantage in numbers over the force of conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Arriving in the Muisca Federation, the Spanish had only 162 exhausted men. However, the guecha warriors of Chief Tisquesusa were no match. The Federation fell in bloody battle.

In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Bogota Shopping Tour

Bogota Shopping Tour

Colombia is known for its gold and emeralds, recognizable national clothing, pottery, accessories, and other crafts. The country's capital Bogota is so rich in authentic shopping that it's almost mind-boggling to decide what to buy first and most importantly, where to buy it at the best possible price!

Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Architectural Jewels

Architectural Jewels

Bogota, Colombia, is quite a city for an architectural experience. Attentive to the local historical heritage, the city has managed to preserve in full splendor most of its colonial buildings.

One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.

Not far away from it...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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Enjoying Onces in Bogota

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18 Uniquely Columbian Things to Buy in Bogota

18 Uniquely Columbian Things to Buy in Bogota

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