Museo Casa de Bolívar

Bucaramanga


Another piece in the historical jigsaw of Simón Bolívar's life (Colombia is full of them), this slightly musty museum is housed in a colonial mansion where the libertador stayed for two months in 1828. One room is dedicated to Bolívar and his exploits, while the rest of the suites tell the story of Santander province and the Guane people who once inhabited it. Take your time to peruse archaeological exhibits, weapons, yellowed documents, faded paintings, and frighteningly real mummies.

The house – if you're able to see past the unsightly temporary tin roof – has a mossy, dusty elegance and is anchored by a proud bust of Bolívar guarded by several flags in the central patio.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bucaramanga attractions

1. Casa de la Cultura

0.02 MILES

One of Bucaramanga's best preserved colonial mansions, the Casa de la Cultura is currently occupied by an educational institution, but visitors are free…

2. Iglesia de San Laureano

0.07 MILES

This twin-towered, pale-yellow, colonial-period church dominates the east side of Parque García Rovira.

3. Capilla de los Dolores

0.16 MILES

In Parque García Rovira, this diminutive chapel is Bucaramanga's oldest surviving church; it was erected in stone from 1748 to 1750. Its simple…

4. Mercado Central

0.22 MILES

Buca's colorful, well-organized central market is worth a stroll, especially for its 4th-floor food court with all manner of local eats and mountain…

5. Catedral de la Sagrada Familia

0.42 MILES

Facing Parque Santander is Buca's most substantial piece of religious architecture. Constructed over nearly a century (1770–1865), it's a massive,…

6. Museo de Arte Moderno de Bucaramanga

0.85 MILES

A bright little museum with two exhibition rooms with rotating exhibits of modern paintings and sculptures. There's also a garden with sculptures and a…

8. Jardin Botánico Eloy Valenzuela

4.27 MILES

Located a short walk from the park in Floridablanca, this lush botanic garden beside a pretty stream is a good place to take a break from the city,…