Plaza de Santander (Santander Plaza), Bogota

Plaza Santander is a historical and cultural landmark in the heart of Bogota. This urban park blends modern design with deep historical roots, making it a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The plaza’s open, paved space serves as a venue for public events, while its green areas and benches invite relaxation amid the city’s dynamic atmosphere.

A key feature of the plaza is the statue of General Francisco de Paula Santander, an iconic figure in Colombia’s independence movement. Alongside this tribute, a notable three-jet fountain and an array of native trees add to the charm of the space. Plaza Santander also provides a connection to Bogotá’s past, as it is one of the sites linked to the city’s foundation. In the early colonial period, it housed the residences of Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada, the city’s founder, and Captain Juan Munoz de Collantes. It also became an important religious hub, with the San Francisco and Santo Domingo orders establishing themselves nearby.

Over the centuries, Plaza Santander evolved from Plaza de las Hierbas to Piazza San Francesco, housing Bogotá’s first cathedral and historic churches like San Francisco and Veracruz. The 20th century brought major urban development, including the Avianca Building, the Central Mortgage Bank, and the Bank of the Republic. The Gold Museum on its eastern side reinforces its cultural significance.

Plaza Santander remains a vibrant public space, hosting craft fairs and serving as a stop on Bogota’s Sunday bike path route. Its proximity to major roads such as Carrera Septima and Avenida Jimenez makes it a key point in the city’s urban landscape.