112 BOGOTÁ
surround. The plaza has great views of the surrounding mountains and areas.
The plaza should be a requirement for your visit in Bogotá. Throughout the
year, the plaza is used as a location for important events. The Plaza de Bolívar is
visited by local and foreigner tourists and it’s where sight-seeing should begin.
The Plaza has a deep history in both past and modern Colombian history.
Palacio de Justica (not open to the public). The Palacio de Justica is the location
of the 1985 M-19 massacre.
Catedral Primada, Church on the Plaza de Bolivar, FREE. The Catedral Primada is
a beautiful example of colonial Spanish architecture. This church is enormous to
the point where there are churches inside the church. It's a magnificent building,
adorned with chandeliers, paintings and multiple chapels and an impressive
tomb of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the Spanish founder of Bogotá. This
church is highly recommended for a visit. Capitolio Nacional (not open to the
public). This is where the Colombian congress meets. It offers an excellent photo
op of the building with a fountain and a Colombian flag.
Edificio Lievano (not open to the public). On the side of the plaza across from
the church is the mayor's office.
Museo del 20 de Julio, Calle 11, No. 6-94 (031-334-4150, 3,000 COP, Tues. - Fri.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sat./Sun, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM). A museum dedicated to the
independence of Colombia. It's a small museum, but it's informative and has
very interesting displays. This museum is a nice visit to get a feeling of
Colombia's history. This museum is recommended for a visit if you like history.
Museums, Calle 11 No. 4-93, FREE. This is a building that hosts multiple
museums and exhibits. The complex of museums is well worth visiting. Casa de
Moneda houses an exhibit of Colombian money. If you're lucky a staffer will give
you a coin souvenir. Museo Botero features the paintings and sculptures of
famed Colombian artist Fernando Botero, as well as his personal collection of