Palacio Liévano

We find ourselves once again on the expansive pavement of the Plaza de Bolívar, historically named after the great liberator, Simón Bolívar. As we turn our attention to the western flank of the square, we are greeted by the…

Before we appreciate the current architecture, we must understand what stood here before. According to the city's historical archives, during the 19th century, this side of the plaza was occupied by the Galerías Arrubla. …

To achieve this cosmopolitan vision, the project was entrusted to the prominent French architect Gaston Lelarge. Lelarge was instrumental in introducing neoclassical and French Renaissance styles to Colombia, shifting the…

Let us walk beneath the continuous, covered arcade that runs along the entire length of the ground floor. This covered walkway is composed of precisely 32 identical arches. …

If one is fortunate enough to gain access through the heavily guarded main entrance, they will discover a massive, beautifully manicured internal courtyard. Consistent with the best traditions of public architecture, the Palacio…

The political significance of this building cannot be overstated. The Mayor of Bogotá, officially known as the Alcalde Mayor, operates from the grand offices on the second floor. …

Step back out into the plaza to appreciate how the Palacio Liévano interacts with its neighbors. Despite being constructed decades or centuries apart, the buildings around the Plaza de Bolívar achieve a surprising visual harmony. …

Our architectural tour of the Palacio Liévano concludes here. We have traced its origins from the ashes of a devastating fire to its rebirth as a masterpiece of French Renaissance design by Gaston Lelarge. …