Overview:

: Bolivar Square (Plaza de Bolivar) is the main square of the city of Santa Marta in Colombia. It is held in great esteem by the Citizens of Santa Marta and is often the site of festivals and events of national and local importance. It is named after Simon Bolivar, the leader of the revolt for Colombia's independence and the father of the nation. It is adorned with a tribute to the hero, a bronze statue mounted on a granite column surrounded by a beautiful garden. The square is also fringed by the Palacio de la Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, (The House of San Pedro Alejandrino), a beautiful colonial-style building which houses the Museum of the Bolivarian era. The square is also the site of Santa Marta's stately cathedral and the main government offices. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. Monument of the Liberator – A monumental social sculpture by Jair Garzón Payares, commemorating the visit of Simon Bolivar to Santa Marta in 1810, and one of the most iconic symbols of the city. 2. City Hall – The historic building was built in 1912 and houses the city administration. 3. Santa Marta Cathedral – The oldest standing church in Colombia, it was built in 1810 and features an impressive Neoclassical design. 4. The Main Fountain – The impressive fountain at the square’s center provides a beautiful backdrop for photos. 5. Surrounding streets – Surrounding Bolivar Square are some of the most beautiful streets in the city, lined with historic homes filled with character. 6. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – The impressive castle is on the outskirts of the city center and can be seen from Bolivar Square. 7. Independence Street – The narrow cobblestone road leading from the square is lined with colorful colonial buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes providing the perfect atmosphere to explore. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Bolivar Square, or Plaza de Bolivar, is the main square of the city of Santa Marta, Colombia. It was designed by the English engineer and architect, William Farquhar, in 1799 with a French-style colonial architecture. In its surroundings, some of the most important historical buildings are located: the Santa Marta Cathedral, the Palace of the Royal Customs, the Casa de la Aduana, the Commercial Exchange, and the Governor's Palace, among others. The square has been a symbol of Colombian independence since Simón Bolívar declared the region's independence there in 1813. The Bolivar Statue, located in the center of the square, is a representation of the Liberator himself. During the 19th century, the square served as a forum for political debates and its name particularly emerged when the National Constitution was sanctioned there in 1863. In the 20th century, Bolivar Square has been the scene of many crucial moments in the history of the city. In 1946, an attempt to assassinate president Jorge Eliecer Gaitan was made in front of the square. In 1980, the M-19 guerrillas attacked the Palace of Justice, located nearby the square, and in 2006, the city celebrated Daniel Ortega's victory in the Nicaraguan Presidential elections with a mass in the square. Today, the square is a touristic hotspot in Santa Marta and it enthusiasts come in droves to visit the magnificent colonial architecture of its surrounding buildings and take pictures of the Bolivar Statue. It is also one of the host locations of the Colombian Classic Car Parade and remains as a representation of the fight for freedom and liberty. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Bolivar Square is a major public square located in the Colombian city of Santa Marta. It is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan military leader and independence hero from South America, who established the first republic in the region in the early 19th century. 2. Bolivar Square is home to the bronze statue of Simón Bolívar, erected in 1925 on the centenary of his death. It is surrounded by four much smaller bronze statues, representing the four departments that formed Colombia in 1819. 3. The square is the site of many cultural and political events and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Santa Marta. 4. Also located in the square are a number of interesting historical buildings, including the Santa Marta Cathedral, the Santa Marta Museum, and the Santa Marta Government Palace. 5. The square is also home to a number of sculptures created by local and international artists. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.