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Chorro de Quevedo facts for kids

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Chorro quevedo
Chorro de Quevedo

The Chorro de Quevedo (which means Quevedo's Fountain) is a famous fountain in the La Candelaria neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia. It's a very important historical spot. Many people believe this is the exact place where Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, a Spanish explorer and leader, first started building the city of Bogotá way back in 1538.

This area was also special to the Muisca people, who lived in this region long before the Spanish arrived. Their leader, called the Zipa, used to look out over the beautiful Bogotá savanna from this very spot. Later, in 1832, a priest named Father Quevedo bought the land and built a fountain there, which is how the place got its name. The first fountain was damaged and destroyed in 1896. Today, you can find the Chorro de Quevedo where Calle 13 and Carrera 2 meet.

Discovering the Chorro de Quevedo Plaza

The Chorro de Quevedo is more than just a fountain; it's a lively plaza (a public square). This area is full of history and culture.

The Hermitage of San Miguel del Principe

In the plaza, there's a small, pretty white chapel called the Hermitage of San Miguel del Principe. This chapel was rebuilt in 1969. It stands on the site of the very first chapel ever built in Bogotá! Its design is based on an older church that used to be in Santander Plaza. The steps of the chapel and a nearby arch were built by Javier Olave. They were made to remember special local people who were well-known in the community.

Art and Culture Around the Fountain

The Chorro de Quevedo area is known for its artistic and creative vibe.

Filming Location for Movies

Many movies have been filmed here, showing off the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood. For example, the famous Colombian film La Estrategia del Caracol was shot in this area. These films often capture the artistic and free-spirited style of the local community.

Exploring the Alleyways and Art

If you walk around the fountain, you'll find narrow alleyways. These small streets are home to many artist studios and hostels. The walls nearby are often covered in colorful street art, making the area feel very vibrant. It's a great place to see local art.

Local Flavors and Storytelling

You can also find places that serve traditional Colombian drinks like chicha near the plaza. The Chorro de Quevedo is also famous for its public storytellers. These talented people gather in the square to share exciting tales and legends, keeping old traditions alive. It's a wonderful place to experience local culture and history.

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