La Candelaria, Bogotá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Candelaria
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
Location of the locality in the city of Bogotá
|
|
Location of the locality in the Capital District of Bogotá
|
|
| Country |  Colombia |
| City | Bogotá D.C. |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.06 km2 (0.80 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 2,600 m (8,500 ft) |
| Population
(2007)
|
|
| • Total | 22,115 |
| • Density | 10,735/km2 (27,800/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) |
La Candelaria is a very old and important part of Bogotá, Colombia. It's like the "Old City" in other places. You can find many buildings here with amazing Spanish Colonial, Baroque, and art deco designs. This area is also home to many universities, libraries, and museums.
La Candelaria includes neighborhoods like La Catedral, Las Aguas, and Egipto. The city of Bogotá was first started here on August 6, 1538. The very first church was also built in this area. Today, La Candelaria is the historic heart of Bogotá. It is also a big center for tourists, education, and business.
Contents
History of La Candelaria
The area known today as Chorro de Quevedo was once a special resting place. It belonged to the Muisca ruler called Zipa. Many believe that Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded Bogotá here on August 6, 1538. The name "La Candelaria" comes from an old church in the area. It is called the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
In April 1539, the city was officially founded in what is now Plaza de Bolívar. This is where the city's first streets were planned. The main square and the first church, which later became the Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral, were also set up here.
Over time, Bogotá grew in different directions. But the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral stayed the main center. This area was important for both colonial and later government powers. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the city was divided into four main church areas. The Parish of San Pedro covered what is now La Candelaria.
In the 1970s, a group called "La Candelaria corporation" was created. Their goal was to protect the old buildings and history of the area. In 1974, La Candelaria got its own local government office. Then, in 1991, it became one of Bogotá's 20 official localities. This allowed its residents to elect their own local leaders.
Cool Places to Visit
La Candelaria is full of interesting places to explore. It's where Bogotá was officially founded!
Plaza de Bolívar
The main square, now called Plaza de Bolívar, is a must-see. Many important buildings are around this square:
- The Capitolio Nacional: This is where the Congress of Colombia meets to make laws.
- The Palace of Justice: This is where Colombia's highest court works.
- The Palacio Liévano: This building houses the Mayor's Office of Bogotá.
- The Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá: A very old and beautiful church.
- The Chapel del Sagrario and the Archbishop's Palace: These are also important religious buildings.
Other Important Buildings
Besides the buildings around Plaza de Bolívar, you can find other key government places here:
- The Casa de Nariño: This is where the President of Colombia lives and works.
- The Palacio de San Carlos: This building is home to the Ministry of International Relations.
Museums You'll Love
La Candelaria has many fantastic museums. They are great for learning about art, history, and culture:
- The Bank of the Republic has several museums together:
- The Mint House: Learn about how money was made.
- The Museo Botero: See amazing art by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. He is known for his "fat" figures. You can also see works by artists like Monet and Picasso from Botero's own collection.
- The Art Museum of the Bank of the Republic.
- The Casa del Florero: A museum about Colombia's independence.
- The Museum of Colonial Art: See art from the time when Colombia was a Spanish colony.
- The Archaeological Museum House of the Marquis of San Jorge: Explore ancient artifacts.
- The Military Museum: Learn about Colombia's military history.
- The National Police Museum: Discover the history of the police force.
- The Museo de Bogotá: This museum tells the story of Bogotá itself.
Cultural Centers and Libraries
- The Luis Ángel Arango Library: This is Colombia's most important library. It has over 1.1 million books! It's also the most visited public library in Latin America. You can find reading rooms, talks on many topics, and art shows here.
- The Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center.
- The Gilberto Alzate Avendaño Foundation.
- The birthplace of Rafael Pombo: The home of a famous Colombian poet.
- The Silva Poetry House: Another place dedicated to poetry.
Famous Churches
La Candelaria has many beautiful and historic churches:
- The Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá.
- The Chapel del Sagrario.
- The Santa Clara Church Museum.
- The National Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora del Carmen.
- The San Ignacio Church.
- The Church of San Agustín.
- The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
- The Church of Santa Bárbara.
Universities in the Area
Many universities have their main campuses in La Candelaria. This makes it a lively place for students:
- Los Andes University.
- La Salle University.
- Del Rosario University.
- Externado University.
- Free University.
- America University.
- Central University.
- Jorge Tadeo Lozano University.
- Francisco José de Caldas District University.
- Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé.
Other Fun Spots
- Calle del Embudo: This narrow, colorful street is shaped like a funnel. It's famous for its bright street art and graffiti. Many paintings show old legends from before the Spanish arrived. It leads to the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo.
- Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo: This square is believed to be where Bogotá was founded. It's named after a priest who bought the land and set up a public water fountain here.
- Gold Museum: This is one of Colombia's most important museums. It has over 36,000 pieces made of gold, wood, shell, and stone. It's a great place to see ancient treasures.
- Colón Theater: This beautiful theater was built in 1892. It has a classic style and can hold 900 people.
- Monserrate: This mountain is a symbol of Bogotá. You can see it from almost anywhere in the city. Many people visit the church at the top. You can get there by cable car, funicular, or by climbing up.
- La Puerta Falsa: This shop is over 200 years old! It's famous for its delicious hot chocolate and traditional tamales.
- Quevedo brook plaza (Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo).
- Bolívar Square.
Images for kids
-
Museum of the Police
See also
In Spanish: La Candelaria para niños
