La Candelaria, Bogota

La Candelaria is the historic heart of Bogota and its 17th locality. Serving as the city's Old City, it features a captivating blend of Spanish Colonial, Baroque, and Art Deco architectural styles. This neighborhood in downtown Bogotá is not only a key tourist destination but also an educational and cultural hub, home to numerous universities, libraries, and museums.

Comprising neighborhoods such as La Catedral, La Concordia, Las Aguas, Egipto, and Nueva Santa Fe, La Candelaria encapsulates Bogota's origins. The city was founded here on August 6, 1538, by Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada, on the site of the Muisca ruler Zipa's resting place, known today as Chorro de Quevedo. The locality’s name comes from the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, a colonial-era landmark.

At the heart of La Candelaria lies Plaza de Bolivar, the city's historic main square and the site of Bogota's formal foundation. Around the square are some of Colombia’s most significant buildings, including the Capitolio Nacional (Congress of Colombia), the Palace of Justice (Supreme Court of Justice), the Palacio Lievano (Mayor's Office of Bogota), and the Primatial Cathedral of Bogota. Religious landmarks like the Chapel del Sagrario and the Archbishop's Palace further add to the square's cultural and historic prominence.

La Candelaria also houses important national government institutions. The Casa de Narino, the official residence and office of the President of Colombia, and the Palacio de San Carlos, home to the Ministry of International Relations, are situated here, solidifying the neighborhood's role as a center of political power.

Today, La Candelaria remains a vibrant area where Bogota's history, politics, and culture intersect, drawing visitors to explore its charming streets, iconic landmarks, and dynamic public spaces.