Our Lady of the Rosary University

Our Lady of the Rosary University is a private institution located in central Bogotá within a complex of buildings displaying Spanish colonial design. The campus spans multiple locations across the city and houses five faculties and four schools offering programs in law, natural sciences, economics, international studies, and creative fields.

The institution was founded in 1653 by Fray Cristóbal de Torres with authorization from Spanish King Philip IV, initially named Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario. During the Spanish reconquest of 1819, the building temporarily served as a prison before resuming its academic purpose.

The university houses a historic archive holding documents from the 1600s and an art gallery featuring paintings spanning multiple centuries. These collections shape how the institution presents itself and influence how visitors experience the campus.

The campus is spread across multiple locations throughout Bogotá, so it helps to know the specific address before visiting. The architectural features of the main complex are visible from outside, and accessibility varies depending on which area you plan to see.

The building holds a striking connection to Colombia's political history, as more than two dozen of the nation's presidents received their education here. This link to national leadership makes the institution a place that shaped the country's trajectory over centuries.