Plaza de Murillo (Murillo Square), La Paz (must see)

Murillo Square stands as the main square of the city and serves as the seat of government for the country. The plaza gained significance as the center of Bolivia's political power following the transfer of the Executive Branch to La Paz after the Federal War of 1899. Its history dates back to the early days of the city's founding.

The plaza was designed on the opposite side of the Choqueyapu River, a considerable distance from the main square in Churubamba, where Alonso de Mendoza initially founded the city. The layout of Murillo Square adheres to the Spanish city planning tradition, characterized by a checkerboard pattern with symmetrical, rectangular blocks of equal dimensions.

During the 19th century, the Main Square in La Paz became the epicenter of political power and the primary stage for public life. Surrounding the square were the buildings housing the main institutions of the city. The Council of La Paz, located in the southeast corner (now the Government Palace), the Main Church in the west corner (now the cathedral), and the Royal Treasury facing the Council (now the Prefecture). The Barracks stood on the north side (now Café París).

Notable residents, such as Francisco Tadeo Diez de Medina, occupied impressive homes in the plaza, including the Palace located at the corner of Comercio and Socabaya streets. This palace, constructed in 1775, later became known as the Palace of the Counts of Arana and currently houses the National Museum of Art. The square was also a hub for daily activities, with mestizo and indigenous merchants setting up stalls to offer goods from overseas.

Plaza Murillo played a vital role as a meeting point and a bridge between different social groups, including the local elite and the popular Spanish, Creole, mestizo, and indigenous sectors. It served as a focal point for civic and religious ceremonies, as well as a bustling marketplace where diverse communities came together.

Today, Plaza Murillo continues to be a significant symbol of political power and a gathering place for the people of La Paz. Its historical and cultural importance, along with its architectural beauty, make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the rich heritage and diverse social fabric of Bolivia.