Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar (Simon Bolivar House Museum), Bogota
In the late 17th century, Jose Antonio Portocarreno, a Spanish businessman, purchased land from the chaplain of Monserrate. Jose Portocarreno built a country house on the land. His heirs could not maintain the property, and by the time of independence in 1819, the house had seriously deteriorated. The new Republican government bought the house and restored it.
The government donated the house to the Liberator, Simon Bolivar, for his services in the War of Independence. Bolivar traveled frequently and spent not more than 500 days in the house over nine years. The house was a refuge for Bolivar and his mistress and revolutionary fellow Manuelita Saenz. Forced to resign in 1830, he died in Cartagena.
After Bolivar's death, the house changed hands several times. It saw use as a private home, a brewery, a tannery, a mental home, and a girls' academy. In 1919, the house was purchased and became a museum dedicated to the life and work of Simon Bolivar and the Wars for Independence.
In 1974 the sword of Bolivar was stolen by guerrillas of the M-19 Movement. They left a note "Bolivar, your sword returns to the battlefield." The sword was peaceably returned in 1991.
The Bolivar House Museum holds over 3,000 artifacts associated with Bolivar. The house itself has been renovated to look as it did in the time of Bolivar's tenancy. The museum is located between the district of La Candelaria and Cerro de Monserrate, on Street 21. It is an easy walk from La Candelaria.
The government donated the house to the Liberator, Simon Bolivar, for his services in the War of Independence. Bolivar traveled frequently and spent not more than 500 days in the house over nine years. The house was a refuge for Bolivar and his mistress and revolutionary fellow Manuelita Saenz. Forced to resign in 1830, he died in Cartagena.
After Bolivar's death, the house changed hands several times. It saw use as a private home, a brewery, a tannery, a mental home, and a girls' academy. In 1919, the house was purchased and became a museum dedicated to the life and work of Simon Bolivar and the Wars for Independence.
In 1974 the sword of Bolivar was stolen by guerrillas of the M-19 Movement. They left a note "Bolivar, your sword returns to the battlefield." The sword was peaceably returned in 1991.
The Bolivar House Museum holds over 3,000 artifacts associated with Bolivar. The house itself has been renovated to look as it did in the time of Bolivar's tenancy. The museum is located between the district of La Candelaria and Cerro de Monserrate, on Street 21. It is an easy walk from La Candelaria.
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Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar (Simon Bolivar House Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar (Simon Bolivar House Museum)
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bogota, Colombia
Create Your Own Walk in Bogota
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bogota is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Bogota Shopping Tour
Colombia is known for its gold and emeralds, recognizable national clothing, pottery, accessories, and other crafts. The country's capital Bogota is so rich in authentic shopping that it's almost mind-boggling to decide what to buy first and most importantly, where to buy it at the best possible price!
Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Bogota, Colombia, is quite a city for an architectural experience. Attentive to the local historical heritage, the city has managed to preserve in full splendor most of its colonial buildings.
One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nari帽o, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.
Not far away from it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nari帽o, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.
Not far away from it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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