🇨🇴 Bogotá

Santander Park

Hidden Gem

Photo: Image by Felipe Restrepo Acosta, CC BY-SA 3.0

Santander Park is an urban park located in the center of Bogotá, at the intersection of the Seventh race with Sixteen Street. Before the Republic it was called San Francisco Park because it is next to the convent and church of the same name. Previously it was known as the square of herbs. It is one of the most traditional places in the city, being even cited by some sources as its place of foundation. It stands out for its statue of Francisco de Paula Santander, its fountain and its trees. Its southeast side faces the Environmental Axis. The Gold Museum and the Avianca building are assimilated within its framework. The place was originally called Plaza de las Hierbas (or de las Yerbas) because the regional market was found there, whose beginnings go back to times before the conquest of the continent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is this park named after? ▾

It honors Francisco de Paula Santander, a hero of Colombian independence and the country's second president, whose statue stands in the center.

Why was it called San Francisco Park before? ▾

The park took its earlier name from the adjacent Church of San Francisco, the oldest surviving colonial church in Bogotá, which dates to the 16th century.

Is there anything to see here or is it just a transit point? ▾

It is primarily a transit and rest space, but the statue of Santander and the surrounding colonial and Republican architecture make it worth a 10-minute stop.

Is it safe to sit here? ▾

It is generally safe during daytime hours with police presence nearby, but stay alert with bags and phones, especially during busy market hours.