Bogota history

The history of Bogota is a captivating narrative of the fusion of ancient cultures and colonial ambitions that laid the foundation for the modern capital of Colombia.

Founding and Pre-colonial Era. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Muisca indigenous civilisation flourished on the high-altitude plateau where Bogota spreads today. Their main settlement here was Bacatá, after which the city received its modern name. The official founding date of the city is considered to be 6 August 1538. On this day, the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada established the city, naming it Santa Fe de Bogota.

Key Factors of Development. The city's successful development was facilitated by its geographical location: it was founded on a fertile plateau in the Andes at an altitude of over 2,600 metres, which ensured a mild climate and a strategic advantage. Furthermore, Bogota almost immediately became the political centre of the region. Initially, it was the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada, then the Viceroyalty of New Granada, and from 1819, the capital of independent Colombia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features. The economy of the colonial period focused on the extraction and shipment to Spain of the valuable resources for which the region was famous: gold and emeralds. The local Muisca tribes were skilled craftsmen in salt mining and the processing of precious stones and metals. Cultural life was shaped by Spanish traditions. Churches and monasteries were built in the city, and one of the first universities in South America was founded, making Bogota an important educational and religious centre.

Key Dates in the History of Bogota

• 6 August 1538 — Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada officially founds the city of Santa Fe de Bogota.
• 1550 — The city becomes the seat of the Royal Audience and the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada.
• 1717 — Bogota is designated the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, elevating its political significance within the Spanish Empire.
• 20 July 1810 — An event known as the "Cry of Independence" takes place in the city, marking the beginning of the struggle for liberation from Spanish rule.
• 1819 — After the victory at the Battle of Boyacá, the army of Simón Bolívar enters the city, and Bogota becomes the capital of the independent Gran Colombia.
• 1884 — The first horse-drawn (mule-drawn) tram appears in the city, marking an important step in the development of public transport.
• 9 April 1948 — Mass riots break out, known as the "Bogotazo", leading to significant destruction in the centre and subsequent large-scale reconstruction of the city.
• 1959 — El Dorado International Airport opens, becoming the main air gateway of Colombia.
• 1991 — The new Constitution of Colombia transforms the city into the Capital District (Distrito Capital), granting it greater administrative autonomy.
• 2000 — The TransMilenio rapid bus system begins operations, radically changing the landscape of urban public transport.

Major Development Milestones of Bogota

• Colonial Administrative and Economic Centre. After its founding in 1538, the city quickly became a key outpost of the Spanish Empire. In the 18th century, Bogota was appointed the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, strengthening its political status. The city's economy was built on the extraction and export of gold and the famous Colombian emeralds, making it one of the most important centres of the colony.
• "Athens of South America" (19th – Early 20th Century). This period was marked by a cultural and intellectual flourishing. Numerous universities, libraries, and theatres opened in the city, attracting scholars, writers, and artists from all over the country and earning it this honourable nickname.
• Industrialisation and Growth (Early 20th Century). The appearance of the tram network in the late 19th century, followed by railways, gave a powerful impetus to industrial development and urbanisation. The city began to expand rapidly, with new factories and residential areas appearing, changing its appearance and economic profile.
• "Bogotazo" and Modernist Reconstruction (from 1948). The mass riots of 1948, known as the "Bogotazo", led to significant destruction in the city centre. This tragic event triggered a large-scale architectural and urban planning reconstruction, during which modernist ensembles appeared in place of the destroyed buildings.
• Formation of the Capital District (1954–1991). In 1954, the city was separated into an independent administrative unit — the Capital District, giving it autonomy for comprehensive planning and management. This status, enshrined in the 1991 Constitution, allowed Bogota to more effectively address issues of urban development.
• Urban Transformation (Late 1990s – 2000s). This stage went down in history thanks to large-scale projects to renew the urban environment. A key innovation was the TransMilenio rapid bus system, which radically improved public transport. Hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths (Ciclorrutas) were also created, and numerous parks and public spaces were reconstructed, significantly improving the quality of life for residents.

Architectural Mosaic and City Development

The architectural appearance of Bogota is a clear reflection of its rich history, where colonial heritage harmoniously intertwines with republican elegance and bold modern solutions. The urban fabric of the capital of Colombia has been formed over centuries, creating a unique landscape of red brick and concrete against the backdrop of the green Andes.

Colonial Era (16th – Early 19th Centuries)

The oldest layer of the city, preserving the spirit of Spanish rule. Urban planning followed the strict "Laws of the Indies" with a rectangular grid of streets around the main square.

• Style: Colonial style with elements of Baroque and Mudejar. Characterised by whitewashed walls, tiled roofs, inner courtyards (patios), and carved wooden balconies.
• Iconic Landmarks: The La Candelaria district — the historic heart of the city. Here you will find the Primada Cathedral (Catedral Primada) and the Church of Santa Clara.

Republican Period (19th – First Half of 20th Centuries)

After gaining independence, architects sought to move away from Spanish canons, finding inspiration in European capitals such as Paris and London.

• Style: Neoclassicism and Eclecticism. Buildings became monumental, using stone, columns, and rich facade decoration.
• Iconic Landmarks: The National Capitol (Capitolio Nacional) on Bolivar Square and the exquisite Colon Theatre.

Modernism and Contemporary Era (from Mid-20th Century)

The events of 1948 ("Bogotazo") and the subsequent population growth spurred a radical reconstruction. The ideas of Le Corbusier and functionalism arrived in the city.

• Style: Modernism, Brutalism, and Organic Architecture. A distinctive feature of Bogota became the extensive use of red brick in modern construction, which became the city's hallmark thanks to architect Rogelio Salmona.
• Iconic Landmarks: The Torre Colpatria skyscraper, the Torres del Parque residential complex, harmoniously integrated into the landscape, and the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Centre.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Bogota

• Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada (1509–1579) — Spanish conquistador and writer. Quesada's historical significance lies in the fact that it was he who founded the city of Santa Fe de Bogota on 6 August 1538, which became the capital of Colombia.
• Policarpa Salavarrieta (c. 1795–1817) — A national heroine of Colombia, spy, and revolutionary. She played a key role in the independence movement from Spain, passing important information to the rebels. She was executed in the main square of Bogota and became a symbol of the struggle for freedom.
• José Asunción Silva (1865–1896) — One of the most important Colombian poets, a precursor to Spanish-American modernism. His work had a huge influence on the country's literature, and his home in Bogota is now the "Casa de Poesía Silva" museum.
• Jorge Eliécer Gaitán (1903–1948) — A prominent politician, lawyer, and leader of the Liberal Party. His assassination in Bogota on 9 April 1948 triggered the mass riots known as the "Bogotazo", which fundamentally changed the history and appearance of the city.
• Gabriel García Márquez (1927–2014) — Nobel Prize laureate in Literature, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Although he was not born in Bogota, he spent a significant part of his life here, studied, and began his career as a journalist. The city became an important stage in his life and work.
• Fernando Botero (1932–2023) — World-renowned artist and sculptor. He donated a huge collection of his works and pieces of world art to the city, forming the basis for the famous Botero Museum in the La Candelaria district, which has become one of the capital's main cultural attractions.
• Rogelio Salmona (1929–2007) — One of the most influential architects in Latin America. His works, characterised by the masterful use of red brick and the creation of harmonious public spaces (for example, the "Torres del Parque" residential complex), largely defined the modern architectural landscape of Bogota.