DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

National Capitol of Colombia

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°1
National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)

Weather…

The National Capitol of Colombia is the seat of the Congress of the Republic, situated on the southern side of Bolívar Square in the historic heart of Bogotá. Construction of this monumental structure began in 1848 under the direction of Danish architect Thomas Reed and spanned a total of 78 years due to political upheavals and funding issues, finally reaching completion in 1926. The building is recognized as one of the purest examples of neoclassical architecture in Latin America, constructed entirely from yellow sandstone. It houses both the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate, featuring the magnificent Elliptical Chamber where the inauguration of the Colombian President traditionally takes place every four years. The interior is adorned with significant works of art, including grand frescoes by Santiago Martínez Delgado depicting the Congress of Cúcuta and other historical milestones. Designated as a National Monument in 1975, the Capitol stands as a powerful symbol of the nation's democratic history and architectural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161616161515141515161616
Rain mm4063147264293242214171145229203113

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The National Capitol of Colombia is the seat of the National Congress and can be visited on public guided tours. Access is restricted during session periods.
🕒
Typical hours
Public guided tours are usually offered on weekday mornings. Exact times should be checked in advance on the Congress website.
📷
Photography
During the tour, photography is allowed in most rooms without flash. In some historic halls there may be a photography ban.
⏱️
Time needed
The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes. Allow additional time for the adjacent Bolívar Square.
➕
Combine with
The Capitol is on Bolívar Square, surrounded by the Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. The Colombian National Museum is also not far away.
🧭
Getting there
Bolívar Square is reachable by TransMilenio (Museo del Oro station). From there it is a five-minute walk.
💡
Insider tip
Book the tour online as spaces are limited. Photograph the neoclassical facade best in the late afternoon with good light.

Geography

Coordinates
4.59750, -74.07630

Facts

  • Construction spanned 78 years, beginning in 1848 and finishing in 1926.
  • The building is constructed entirely of yellow sandstone from local quarries.
  • Danish architect Thomas Reed designed the original neoclassical structure.
  • The Elliptical Chamber is the traditional venue for presidential inaugurations.
  • Famed artist Santiago Martínez Delgado painted the interior's historical murals.
  • It was officially designated as a National Monument on August 11, 1975.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Primary Cathedral of ColombiaPrimary Cathedral of Colombia<1 km · NEExplore →
Movistar Arena BogotáMovistar Arena Bogotá2 km · EExplore →
Monserrate SanctuaryMonserrate Sanctuary2 km · NExplore →
BogotáBogotá3 km · EExplore →
Maloka Interactive MuseumMaloka Interactive Museum4 km · SEExplore →
Mundo AventuraMundo Aventura7 km · SExplore →
ChíaChía8 km · EExplore →
Bogotá Free Trade ZoneBogotá Free Trade Zone8 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Capitol of Colombia (1)

Museo de Desarrollo Urbano🏛 museum

Museo de Desarrollo Urbano explicitly charts the physical and architectural growth of the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the National Capitol?
Usually only with special permission or during official guided tours.
Where is the building located?
Right on the south side of Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá.
What is the Capitol's function?
It is the seat of the Colombian Congress.
In what style was it built?
In neoclassical style, made of yellow limestone.
How long did the construction take?
Construction took nearly 80 years (1848-1926).
National Capitol of Colombia: where is it located?
National Capitol of Colombia is located in Colombia.
National Capitol of Colombia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
National Capitol of Colombia: why is it worth visiting?
The National Capitol of Colombia is the seat of the Congress of the Republic, situated on the southern side of Bolívar Square in the historic heart of Bogotá.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Colombia →

Nearby cities

Bogotá — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Bogotá
The high-altitude capital and cultural center.

History & landmarks

Bolívar Square — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Bolívar Square
Bolívar Square is the main square of Bogotá and the historical heart of the city.
Primary Cathedral of Colombia — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Primary Cathedral of Colombia
The Primary Cathedral of Bogotá is the seat of the Archbishop and the country's most important Catholic place of worship.
Colón Theater — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Colón Theater
The Teatro Colón in Bogotá is the national theater of Colombia and an architectural gem.
Torre Colpatria Skyscraper — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Torre Colpatria Skyscraper
Torre Colpatria is one of the tallest buildings in Bogotá and a striking city landmark.
BD Bacatá Skyscraper — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
BD Bacatá Skyscraper
BD Bacatá is a modern skyscraper complex in the center of Bogotá.
El Campín Stadium — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
El Campín Stadium
Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín is the main stadium in Bogotá.
Movistar Arena Bogotá — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Movistar Arena Bogotá
The Movistar Arena is an ultra-modern indoor arena in Bogotá used for major concerts and events.
Monserrate Sanctuary — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Monserrate Sanctuary
The Monserrate Sanctuary is a white church on Mount Monserrate that watches over Bogotá.

More places

Salitre Mágico — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Salitre Mágico
One of the most important amusement parks in Bogotá with numerous roller coasters and rides.
Cerro de Guadalupe — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Cerro de Guadalupe
Cerro de Guadalupe is a prominent mountain that, along with Monserrate, rises above the capital city of Bogotá.
Maloka Interactive Museum — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Maloka Interactive Museum
An interactive science and technology center in Bogotá for children and youth.
Mundo Aventura — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Mundo Aventura
A large amusement park in Bogotá that offers a variety of attractions for families and children.
Bogotá Free Trade Zone — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Bogotá Free Trade Zone
A massive industrial park combining logistics, technology, and manufacturing, offering tax benefits.
Sumapaz Páramo — National Capitol of Colombia (Colombia)
Sumapaz Páramo
The Sumapaz Páramo south of Bogotá is the largest páramo ecosystem in the world and a crucial water reservoir.