Things to see in Bogotá

Probably the most representative of the cluster of colonial churches in town. Built between 1629 and 1674 as a part of the Poor Clares Convent, its walls are completely covered by paintings and statues of saints, all dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

This is the historic centre around the Plaza de Bolivar. Despite some unfortunate architectural influences from 20th century, the barrio remains largely soaked in the colonial spirit and lifestyle. Some buildings are being restored to their former glory, others remain dilapidated. The first buildings were built in the 16th century and today's La Candelaria is actually a group of old districts such as La Catedral, Egypto and La Concordial. The area was declared a National Monument in 1964. The streets of the old Santa Fe are full of old Spanish-style mansions with heavy doors, large halls, spacious rooms, patios, thick walls and various styles of balconies. The 19th- and 20th- century buildings are locally known as Republican. La Candelaria of today has a strong bohemian, cultural and academic flavour.

This is the first port of call for most visitors to Bogotá; built in the centre of the historic district, this square has a statue of Simon Bolivar in the middle (built by Pietro Tenerani, an Italian artist, in 1846). Little is preserved from the original colonial times, but a walk around the square still makes for an interesting venture and will allow you to take in governmental, political and other buildings (including an astronomical observatory).