La Candelaria walking tour

La Candelaria is Bogotá's heart and soul, from humble beginnings, the oldest part of the city and the Plaza Bolivar are high on any visitor's agenda, a wonderful place to start to discover Bogotá. Bolivar Square (La Plaza de Bolivar) is the focal point of the sector of the city. Its surrounding Palace of Justice and church embrace the square with history and tales of old.

The Plaza is home to the Colombian Congress, The Mayor's office and the Palace of Justice and the Primary Cathedral of Bogotá. Standing proud in the centre, the statue of Simón Bolívar was the first public monument to be erected in the city.

Moving east from the Plaza the area of La Candelaria hosts the Gold Museum where objects crafted by the Muiscas, the first ever populations inhabiting Bogotá, are carefully exhibited. The Botero Donation on Calle 11 is a permanent exhibition of works by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist.

The best view of the city is from the top of Cerro de Monserrate. Viewing the grid-like formation of the city it's hard to believe that the now sprawling metropolis was once just several streets flanked by this 3,160 m peak. The funicular railway and the cable car act as a means ascent and descent to the summit.