History

Bogota's Environmental Axis has a history that dates back to pre-Columbian times, when the Muisca Indians inhabited the region. The San Francisco and Fucha rivers, which today form part of the Eje, were considered sacred by the Muiscas, who called them “Siecha” and “Sutagaos” respectively, and considered them sources of life and fertility. During colonial times, these rivers were used to supply water to the city of Bogotá. Today, the Eje Ambiental has become an important public space and green corridor in downtown Bogotá.

Located in the heart of the Colombian capital, the San Carlos Palace is an architectural treasure that combines colonial elegance with the grandeur of its history. Built in the sixteenth century, this palace has witnessed important historical events and has hosted prominent figures of Colombian politics and culture.

From an economic point of view, the International Center is an important financial district of Bogota and one of the most notable in Colombia. Numerous national and international business headquarters are located here, as well as financial entities, banks, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. This makes it a nerve center for economic and business activity in the city and the country.

The Journalists' Park is an emblematic monument in the historic center of Bogotá. Pietro Cantini built it between 1882 and 1886 to commemorate the first centenary of Simón Bolívar's birth. In 2014, this iconic site was renamed Gabriel García Márquez Journalists' Park, in honor of the prominent Colombian writer and Nobel Prize in Literature.

During the founding of Bogotá by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada in 1538, the Chorro de Quevedo was chosen as the starting point for the urban layout of the city. This historical event marked the beginning of the construction of the colonial city and established Chorro de Quevedo as a fundamental place in the history of Bogotá.

Its construction lasted from 1848 to 1926 and was designed by the renowned Danish architect Thomas Reed at the request of President Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera. The whole structure is made of stone. The Congress of the Republic is located there, where the congress members meet to debate and legislate the affairs of the country. The National Capitol is open to the public with guided tours, allowing visitors to see the different rooms and spaces of the building, as well as to learn about the history and functioning of this emblematic institution.