Santander Park

At the intersection of Carrera Séptima and Calle 16, in what was formerly known as Plaza de las Hierbas (Herbs Square), a significant part of the country's history has unfolded. According to some historians, Bogotá was founded here on August 6, 1538, in a simple ceremony.

This version contradicts some authors, such as Rodrigo Fraile and Father Simón y Vergara, who insisted that the first construction actually took place on the site where the Primatial Cathedral stands today. They do, however, agree that this square was the first market and the most important during the Spanish colonial era.

Santander Park, which also houses the Gold Museum, one of the most important in the world, and the Avianca building, which, with its 37 floors, was once one of the tallest towers in South America, is perhaps the most influential historical and religious corner in the city. Before the Republic, the area was called San Francisco Park because it was next to the convent and church of the same name, and it was also known as Plaza de las Hierbas (Herbs Square).

It is said that important figures such as Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the city's founder, lived there, as did General Francisco de Paula Santander, Colombia's first vice president, during the War of Independence. In 1851, the park was named in his honor.

At the beginning of the 20th century, it underwent one of its most significant renovations. Eight chandeliers with 36 lamps were installed, benches were repaired, the fountains were maintained, and two sculptures were erected in homage to the Bogotá poets José Asunción Silva and Rafael Pombo.

Today, it is a frequent venue for street art and a popular stop on Sundays for the Ciclovía (bike path) along Carrera Séptima (Seventh Avenue).