Plaza de Bolívar, Main city square in historic center, Bogotá, Colombia
Plaza de Bolívar is the central square in the historic center of Bogotá, Colombia, spreading across a large area surrounded by neoclassical government buildings and the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá. The streets Calle 10, Calle 11, Carrera 7 and Carrera 8 frame the square and connect it to other parts of the old city, where visitors walk between buildings from different centuries.
The square came into existence in 1539 as Plaza Mayor and served as a marketplace where bullfights also took place until the early 19th century. After Colombia's independence, it received the name Plaza Bolívar in 1821 to honor the liberator Simón Bolívar.
The bronze Simón Bolívar, shaped by Pietro Tenerani in 1846, was the city's first public monument. He stands now at the center of a square where pigeons flutter between walkers, street vendors, and visitors sitting on benches or taking photos.
The square is surrounded by four major streets that make all sides accessible and ease the approach to the surrounding government buildings and cathedral. It is best visited during daytime when nearby shops and museums are open and security is higher.
The Palace of Justice on the northern side was rebuilt twice after being destroyed in 1948 during the Bogotazo and in 1985 through an armed attack. Today you see the modern version of the building completed after the last incident.
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