Positioned greater than 2,500 meters (8,000 ft) above sea degree is Bogota, the high-altitude capital metropolis of Colombia. Bogota is much bigger than most individuals think about, comparable in dimension to metropolises like New York Metropolis and Mexico Metropolis. Inside Bogota, you’ll discover loads of fascinating sights. From the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria to the panoramic views of the Cerro de Monserrate, listed below are a few of the prime vacationer points of interest in Bogota that you simply undoubtedly received’t need to miss.
Santa Clara is among the oldest church buildings in all of Colombia, and its inside can also be some of the extravagantly embellished. Constructed over a 50-year span within the seventeenth century, the church is full of ornate options equivalent to a barrel vault ceiling painted in a gold floral motif and practically 150 sculptures and work of saints adorning the constructing’s partitions. The church is now owned by the Colombian authorities, and it has been reworked right into a museum. Though there are many stunning church buildings to be seen in and round Bogota, the Museo Santa Clara is unquestionably a must-see landmark within the metropolis.
In Northern Bogota, within the district of Chapinero, you’ll discover Parque 93. Also called Parque de la 93, that is thought-about to be the hotspot for eating and nightlife in Bogota. Through the day, Parque 93 is a superb place to sightsee, take a stroll or simply benefit from the sunshine on the park itself. There are frequent music and artwork festivals throughout the park, to not point out an abundance of rotating public artwork installations. Within the evenings, cosmopolitan locals and worldwide vacationers alike gravitate to the stylish cafes and bustling nightlife venues, and it’s a excellent spot to have a drink and mingle.
Probably the most essential spiritual landmarks in Bogota is the Iglesia de San Francisco. Constructed between 1557 and 1621, the constructing is the oldest surviving church within the metropolis. Since it’s positioned simply steps from the famed Museum of Gold, the Iglesia de San Francisco is a well-liked place to discover. Elaborate Christian art work decorates the partitions, making it extra like a non secular artwork gallery than a standard church. Make sure to spend a while admiring the extraordinary altarpiece from the seventeenth century, which is gilded in gold and embellished with stunning particulars.
The Botanical Gardens of Bogota, also referred to as the Jardín Botánico José Celestino Mutis, is the most important of its variety in all of Colombia. Based in 1955, it is a superb alternative to admire the staggering numbers of vegetation and flowers discovered naturally all through the nation. Stroll by means of rose gardens and medicinal gardens, after which bask within the view of greater than 5,000 orchids in a single place. Of particular significance is the massive constructing containing 5 rooms, every of which represents a novel local weather zone within the nation. You may stroll by means of every and see the vegetation and environment present in every of those Colombian local weather zones.
The energetic principal sq. within the coronary heart of Bogota is the Plaza de Bolivar. Surrounding the plaza, you’ll discover a number of historic buildings together with neoclassical palaces, authorities buildings and the most important church in all of Colombia. This vacation spot was often called Plaza Mayor, however it was renamed within the nineteenth century after the army chief Simón Bolívar. The Plaza de Bolivar is the middle of the town, and it’s what Bogota really grew round. Should you solely have the possibility to cease at one essential vacation spot in Bogota, it must be the Plaza de Bolivar.
The town of Bogota could be very pedestrian pleasant, and it additionally boasts the most important community of bicycle routes in all of Latin America. Each Sunday, biking takes over the town because of the weekly Ciclovia. Between seven within the morning and two within the afternoon every Sunday, many roads are closed to automobiles. This permits cyclists, joggers or curler skaters to discover the town in a complete new means. Refreshment stands dot the edges of the street, and there are even performances alongside the way in which. A number of retailers hire bicycles within the district known as La Candelaria.
There are a number of improbable museums in Bogota, however some of the fascinating is the Museo del Oro, or the Museum of Gold. Earlier than Columbus and different European explorers got here to Colombia, gold was a major a part of the native tradition and heritage. The Museo del Oro explores that, that includes an incredible assortment of gold that dates from centuries previous. You’ll discover unimaginable items of melted gold made by numerous tribes and teams from Latin America, together with the well-known Pasca golden raft which can have impressed the legends of El Dorado. Onsite there may be additionally a restaurant, present store and cafe.
The Museo Botero is called after Fernando Botero, who’s the best-known and most influential Colombian artist of all time. Also called the Banco de la Republica Artwork Assortment, this museum homes Botero’s private artwork assortment. While you go to the museum, you’ll be capable of see over 3,000 items of artwork relationship from the sixteenth century all the way in which to at present. Entrance is free for all, and it affords the possibility to see works by Alejandro Obregón, Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos and numerous others. A lot of the assortment is made up of work, however there additionally some sculptures and mixed-medium items on show.
The town of Bogota is dominated by a mountain known as Monserrate. On the prime of the height is a church and a shrine, and also you’ll additionally be capable of entry gorgeous views over the town under. Additionally on the prime are two pretty eating places and loads of memento stalls. There are a number of methods to rise up and down Monserrate. A stone path takes about 90 minutes to hike up, however you too can journey the funicular. Monserrate is well one of many prime points of interest in Bogota, and it’s an effective way to familiarize your self with Bogota’s structure from above.
Arguably an important district within the metropolis is La Candelaria. That is the center of the Bogota, and it’s the place Simon Bolivar escaped, the revolutionary heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta was executed and the revolution started with Grito de Libertad. Along with all this historic significance, La Candelaria is residence to quite a few landmarks. You’ll undoubtedly need to go to the Plaza de Bolivar, and you may’t miss the Palacio de Nariño. Simply strolling alongside the streets of this district means you may admire stunning colonial structure, and the emerald market is a blinding spot that many guests love.