La Candelaria Bogotá – Historic Old Town La Candelaria Bogotá Colombia – Bogotá Travel Guide

El Chico is a beautiful part of Bogota, an exclusive area with swanky properties and lots of trees and lovely green spaces. It is smart, picturesque and alive with the vibrancy, excitement and color of a Latin City. El Chico is also generally considered to be one of the safest parts of Bogota.

Narrow streets, colonial buildings, museums, theaters, churches and a bohemian atmosphere, converge with the magic and history of the La Candelaria neighborhood, witness to the founding of Bogotá, It’s a charming place which thanks to the conservation of architecture which dates from the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, enriches the landscape of the city. Get a delicious coffee in one of its many cafes, see all the art exhibitions, stroll down its steep streets and experience the Bogota of yesteryear, which is on show just a few meters away from the Bogota of today. © PIT Centro Histórico (Tourist information point Historic Center) © Cra. 8 with Cll. 10 corner © (60+1) 283 7115

Embark on a fascinating journey into times past when you visit La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogota. Lining its beautiful cobblestone streets are centuries-old houses, museums, universities and ancient churches. A good place to start your visit is the Plazoleta del Chorro de Quevedo. This is believed to be the exact spot where Bogota was founded in 1538. Today, it’s a popular bohemian hangout for students.

Investigate some of the area’s historical places of worship. La Iglesia de la Candelaria is an impressive looking building with a golden exterior that was constructed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Venture inside to see its works of religious art from the colonial period and the beautifully carved woodwork.

Then visit some of the historic area’s museums. They include the Museum Francisco José de Caldas which preserves and honors the memory of this revolutionary figure who was executed in 1816. Another museum worthy of note is Museo Botero, which houses a collection of 208 art works by famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero and a handful of international artists. As you tour the streets, pause to appreciate the architecture, which features Art Deco, Baroque and Spanish Colonial styles.