Plaza de Bolívar, Bogotá facts for kids
| Plaza Bolívar (Spanish) | |
View of Bolívar Square
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 Location in Bogotá
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| Former name(s) | Plaza Mayor (1539–1821) Plaza de la Constitución (1821–1846) |
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| Namesake | Simón Bolívar |
| Area | 1.3903 ha (3.436 acres) |
| Location | La Candelaria, Bogotá Colombia |
| Coordinates | 4°35′53″N 74°4′34″W / 4.59806°N 74.07611°W |
| North | Calle 11 |
| East | Carrera 7 |
| South | Calle 10 |
| West | Carrera 8 |
| Construction | |
| Construction start | 27 April 1539 |
| Inauguration | 20 July 1846 |
| Other | |
| Status | National monument (19 October 1995) |
The Bolívar Square (in Spanish: Plaza de Bolívar) is the main square in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. This important square is located in the very old part of the city. It has a statue of Simón Bolívar, a famous leader who helped many South American countries gain independence. This statue was made in 1846 and was the first public monument in Bogotá.
Before it was called Bolívar Square, it was known as Plaza Mayor until 1821. Then, for a short time, it was called Plaza de la Constitución. The history of this square goes back to ancient times, even before the Spanish arrived. Today, many important buildings surround the square. These include the Palace of Justice, the National Capitol, the Primary Cathedral of Bogotá, and the Liévano Palace.
Bolívar Square is a popular place for tourists in the La Candelaria area of Bogotá. It is also a common spot for people to gather for public events and peaceful protests.
Contents
What the Square Looks Like
Bolívar Square is a large open space. It is bordered by streets: Calle 10 to the south, Calle 11 to the north, Carrera 7 to the east, and Carrera 8 to the west. The square covers an area of about 13,903 square meters (about 150,000 square feet).
Important Buildings Around the Square
Many important buildings stand around Bolívar Square. Each one has a special role in Colombia's history or government.
| Side of Square | Building Name | Built | Image |
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| North | Palace of Justice |
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| West | Liévano Palace |
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| South | National Capitol |
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| East | Primary Cathedral of Bogotá |
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- The Palace of Justice is on the north side. This is where the highest court in Colombia, the Supreme Court, is located.
- The Liévano Palace is on the west side. This building is the office of the Mayor of Bogotá.
- The National Capitol is on the south side. This is where the Colombian Congress meets to make laws for the country.
- The Primary Cathedral of Bogotá is on the east side. This is a very old and important church. Next to it is the Archiepiscopal Palace, which has a beautiful large door.
History of Bolívar Square
The history of Bolívar Square is very long and interesting, going back hundreds of years.
Ancient History: The Muisca People
Long before the Spanish arrived, the area where Bolívar Square now stands was home to the Muisca. They were one of the most advanced ancient civilizations in the Americas. The Muisca were very skilled in astronomy. They understood the movements of the sun and moon very well. They used this knowledge to create their special calendar.
The Muisca built temples to honor their gods, especially Sué, the Sun god, and his partner Chía, the Moon goddess. Studies have shown that from the northeast corner of Bolívar Square, the sun (Sué) rises exactly over specific mountains during important times of the year. For example, during the June solstice (the longest day of the year), the sun rises over Monserrate mountain. During the December solstice (the shortest day), it rises over Guadalupe Hill. During the equinoxes (when day and night are equal), the sun rises from the valley between these two mountains.
Colonial History: Spanish Arrival
In 1538, a Spanish explorer named Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded the city of Bogotá. This was after he met the Muisca people. Soon after, other Spanish explorers also arrived. The Spanish built the first church in the city on the northeast side of what was then called Plaza Mayor.
In the early days of the Spanish colony, the square was a busy market. It was also used for public events, religious celebrations, and even bullfights for a long time. In 1583, a public water fountain was built in the square. Over time, more important buildings were constructed around the square. These included buildings for merchants, the Real Audiencia (a high court of the Spanish Empire), and a school founded by the Jesuits. The current Primary Cathedral was started in 1807 and finished in 1823.
Modern History: Independence and Beyond
A very important event for Colombia's independence happened near Bolívar Square. In 1810, the "Call for Independence" took place in the Vase House, which is now a museum. This was the first step towards Colombia breaking free from Spanish rule.
After Colombia gained independence, the square was renamed Plaza de la Constitución in 1821. It got its current name, Bolívar Square, in 1846 when the statue honoring Simón Bolívar was placed there.
The National Capitol building, where the Colombian Congress meets, began construction in 1846. However, because of political changes in the country, it wasn't fully finished until 1926. The Liévano Palace, on the western side, was built between 1902 and 1905. Since 1974, it has been the official office of Bogotá's mayor.
The Palace of Justice, on the north side, has a complex history. The first building was destroyed by fire in 1948. A new one was built, but it was also damaged in 1985 during a difficult time for Colombia. The current Palace of Justice building was started in 1998.
Bolívar Square became a national monument in Colombia in 1995. It continues to be a place where people gather to express their views and participate in public life.
Panoramas
See also
In Spanish: Plaza de Bolívar para niños
- Primary Cathedral of Bogota
