photo by Juliancufiño (via Creative Commons)
When it comes to an arts and culture trip in Colombia, the La Candelaria neighborhood in Bogotá is the place to start. And when you're visiting this downtown area, make sure to take the time to look around and be in awe of the old buildings. The fascinating part about this region is that visitors can enjoy architectural triumphs from various time periods including those of the art deco, Baroque and the Spanish Colonial periods. To start you off on your journey, make sure to check out these top three museums sprinkled throughout this very famous art district.
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photo by Juliancufiño (via Creative Commons)
An original work by Fernando Botero on display at the Museo Botero Museo Botero
When speaking about world-renowned artists, people often speak in the past tense but when it comes to the Botero museum, the mastermind behind most of the works is still a working, respected artist. Fernando Botero, known for his "Boterismo" style or plump and exaggerated proportions in his works, has donated many of his own pieces including those from his personal art collection to be displayed in the Museo Botero.
Fans of Botero will enjoy the plethora of original works from the artist himself and art lovers will enjoy the rest of his personal art collection which features many known names in the art world including Dali, Kandinsky and Picasso.
Truly a museum of one-of-a-kinds, visitors can expect to spend 1-2 hours truly appreciating the vast works hung in the halls.
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photo by Tijs Zwinkels (via Creative Commons)
A trinket found at the Museo del Oro Museo del Oro
In this case all that glitters is indeed gold. One of the most famous museums in all of Colombia, and known all over the world, is the Museo del Oro or the gold museum. In operation since 1939, this museum houses jewellery, trinkets and other items made of gold from the pre-Spanish colonisation period.
Aside from the world's largest collection of gold artefacts, this museum also displays ceramics, pottery, shells, wood and other textiles used and created by indigenous people. For those who would also like to take a special piece home, the gift shop offers certified jewellery replicas along with a wide variety of books and trinkets. And to keep the experience lasting longer, there's also a restaurant on premises that allows you to dine amongst the opulence.
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photo by Lucía Estévez (via Creative Commons)
A sneak peek at the opulence inside of the Museo Iglesia Santa Clara Museo Iglesia Santa Clara
Whether churches are your thing or not is a non-issue when it comes to visiting the Museo Iglesia Santa Clara. One of the oldest churches in the area, the thing that makes this church turned museum a must-see is the detail, decorations and paintings that adorn every inch inside this historic building.
Built in the 1600s, no detail was left unnoticed during the construction of this house of prayer. Several golden floral motifs adorn the dome-like vault and the walls follow suit displaying 148 paintings of religious figures and saints to truly provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Getting there
The best way to experience the richness and beauty of the La Candelaria neighborhood is with a well-informed Colombian tour guide. He or she will be able to give you insight on places to visit, shops to frequent and restaurants that are out of this world. Better yet, the La Candelaria neighborhood will be great to couple with a Colombian adventure tour so that you get the best of both the cosmopolitan and nature jewels that Colombia has to offer.