A Guide to the Top 21 Most Beautiful Squares in Colombia

Squares are everywhere in Colombia. They’re in the middle of cities, towns, and even tiny villages—and more often than not, they’ve been there since the place was founded. As expected, many historical squares have become some of the most recognizable attractions in the country.

Fun fact: Most Spanish colonial-era settlements in the Americas were designed following a grid plan around a central square. Usually called “Plaza Mayor” and often surrounded by the town hall, church, and important homes, these spaces were the epicenter of governance, public life, and commerce. After independence, many of the historic main squares in Colombia were renamed after Simón Bolívar.

Other Colombian plazas are modern public spaces filled with street performers, coffee vendors, and weekend markets, while some are small but striking for their setting or views. Whether they date back centuries or just a few decades ago, these are 21 of the most beautiful squares in some of Colombia’s top travel destinations.

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Though officially separate, these two squares blend as one continuous public space just inside Cartagena’s historic UNESCO-listed area. The larger of the two, Plaza de la Aduana, was historically the administrative and commercial center of the city. It’s bordered by elegant colonial buildings, including the old Royal Customs House and what is believed to have been the residence of Pedro de Heredia, the city’s founder. In colonial times, this square was also used to announce new laws and served as the site of slave auctions. Today, the area is marked by small plaques that reflect its complicated legacy.

Directly to the southwest, Plaza del Reloj (also called Plaza del Portal) fronts the Torre del Reloj, the gateway into the walled city and one of Cartagena’s most photographed landmarks. This plaza connects the Centro Histórico to Getsemaní and is always buzzing with activity—street vendors, performers, and food carts fill the space day and night. While smaller and less formal than Aduana, Plaza del Reloj functions as the social and commercial threshold to the historic center.

Fun fact: Despite its name—Torre del Reloj means “Clock Tower” in Spanish—the tower didn’t have a functioning clock until the early 20th century. The current mechanism was manufactured in Switzerland and installed decades after the tower’s renovation in the 1880s. Before that, the structure served mainly as a fortified gateway to the city.

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Located in the heart of Colombia’s capital, Plaza de Bolívar is not just the most important square in Bogotá—it’s also one of the most iconic squares in Colombia. It was established in the 16th century and has remained the political and symbolic center of the country ever since. The square has witnessed everything from colonial processions to presidential inaugurations and major protests.

Framed by monumental architecture on all sides, the square is bordered by the Primatial Cathedral of Colombia, the Capitolio Nacional (home to Congress), the Palacio Liévano (Bogotá’s city hall), and the Palace of Justice. At its center stands a bronze statue of Simón Bolívar, placed there in 1846—the first public monument to him in Latin America. The square remains a gathering place for civic life, political expression, and the occasional herd of pigeons.

Fun fact: One corner of the square is home to the Museo de la Independencia (Casa del Florero), where the so-called “Disputa del Jarrón” supposedly took place in 1810. According to tradition, an argument between local criollos and a Spanish merchant over the loan of a flower vase escalated tensions and set off a chain of events that led to the July 20 uprising—one of the key moments that kicked off Colombia’s independence movement.

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With its vast open space and cobblestone surface, Villa de Leyva’s Plaza Mayor is one of the largest town squares in Colombia—and easily one of the most atmospheric. Measuring around 14,000 square meters, it was intentionally designed on a grand scale in the 16th century to accommodate military exercises, festivals, and religious processions.

Surrounded by whitewashed colonial buildings and backed by low mountain ridges, the square is anchored by the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, built in 1604. The rest of the plaza has craft shops, hotels, and cafes that maintain the town’s carefully preserved colonial charm. Its size and lack of trees or benches give it a dramatic, open feel, especially striking during sunsets or local events like the Festival of Lights in December. The entire town, including the plaza, forms part of a designated Bien de Interés Cultural de la Nación, Colombia’s highest heritage recognition.

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Located in the heart of downtown Medellín, Plaza de Botero is a modern reinterpretation of a public square. It is famous for its open-air exhibition of works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, including figures of men, women, and animals.

Fun fact: Also known as Parque de Botero, the plaza features 23 oversized bronze sculptures donated by the artist himself in the early 2000s. Known for his signature style of exaggerated, voluminous forms—often referred to as “Boterismo” Botero’s work is widely considered some of the most substantial in Latin America… in every sense.

The square sits next to the Museo de Antioquia and the striking Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, an ornate building with Gothic and Art Deco influences. It’s a popular stop for tourists and locals, not just for the art, but for people-watching, street performances and photogenic surroundings.

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While Santa Marta’s more traditional Parque Bolívar—home to monuments and framed by historic government buildings—does appear below, we went with the often-overlooked and more atmospheric Parque de los Novios instead. It may not be the city’s official main square, but it’s arguably its most vibrant. And quite frankly, this article already has enough places named after Bolívar, and we needed a break!

Officially named Parque Santander, this space was dubbed Parque de los Novios (Lovers’ Park) because it became a popular meeting place for young couples in the early 20th century. It’s located in the historic center and surrounded by restored colonial buildings now housing cafés, restaurants, and bars. A standout feature is its elegant Templete, a neoclassical gazebo, which gives the park a romantic, European feel and makes it a favorite for evening strolls and casual meetups.

Fun fact: The neoclassical gazebo at the center of the park was once a music pavilion where small orchestras performed for the public, especially on weekends and holidays.

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Parque Caldas is the main square of Popayán, one of Colombia’s most historically rich and architecturally cohesive cities. Officially named after independence leader Camilo Torres Tenorio, the plaza is surrounded by whitewashed colonial buildings that match the city’s nickname: La Ciudad Blanca (The White City).

Landmarks around the square include the Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the City Hall. With its neatly laid-out gardens, mature trees, and shaded benches, the plaza is a gathering place for students, tourists, and local residents. It also plays a central role during Semana Santa, when the city hosts one of Latin America’s most important Holy Week processions. Popayán’s historic center, including the square, has been designated a Site of Cultural Interest by the Colombian government.

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Located in Cartagena’s historic walled city, this picturesque square is fronted by the striking Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, a 17th-century church named after the Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to helping enslaved Africans brought through the port. The church’s stone façade dominates the space, while leafy trees and colonial arcades soften its edges.

The plaza is quieter than some of Cartagena’s larger squares, offering lovely views of the old town, the cathedral, and its elegant arcades. It’s surrounded by upscale restaurants with shaded terraces that make it a great place to take a break during a walking tour, and museums like the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena are just steps away. Its proximity to the port and major landmarks makes it a natural stop on walking tours through the old city.

Fun fact: San Pedro Claver is buried beneath the church’s altar. His preserved remains can still be seen today in a glass case inside the sanctuary.

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According to tradition, this is where Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded Bogotá in 1538. Today, it’s a small, bohemian square tucked into the heart of La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic district. Surrounded by colonial buildings and colorful murals, it’s a favorite spot for students, street performers, and visitors taking walking tours.

The square features a small chapel, the Hermosa de San Miguel, and is lined with cafés and craft beer bars. It may be smaller and more informal than other plazas on this list, but it’s full of character and history.

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Parque Principal in Zipaquirá is the heart of one of Colombia’s oldest colonial towns, best known today for the Salt Cathedral located nearby. The square is framed by well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and overlooked by the impressive Catedral Diocesana de Zipaquirá, completed in 1916.

Unlike some other plazas, this one maintains a distinctly local feel. In the afternoons, families gather, and ice cream vendors circle the benches. The square is also home to a statue of independence hero Antonio Nariño, who once served as mayor of the town.

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This square, located just outside Cúcuta in the small town of Villa del Rosario, is one of the most important sites in Colombia’s independence history. It was here, in 1821, that the Congreso de Cúcuta drafted the constitution of Gran Colombia—the short-lived union of Nueva Granada, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

The plaza is part of a larger historical park that includes the ruins of the Templo Histórico, the Casa de Santander (birthplace of General Francisco de Paula Santander), and several monuments commemorating the constitutional assembly. Though modest in size, its historical weight is unmatched.

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Set in the historic center of Tunja, this plaza is one of the highest in altitude among Colombian departmental capitals. Its origins go back to the early 16th century, and it’s surrounded by some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the Andes.

Buildings like the Casa del Fundador Gonzalo Suárez Rendón, the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana Santiago de Tunja, and several republican-era facades give the square a formal and historical feel. The statue of Bolívar at its center reflects the city’s role in independence and its continued cultural importance in the Boyacá region.

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Salento’s central square is compact, colorful, and full of movement. It’s the main departure point for the traditional jeeps that take visitors to the Cocora Valley, making it an unmissable stop for anyone heading into the natural preserve. It’s also a hub for regional tourism. The square is surrounded by vividly painted buildings, souvenir shops, and open-air cafés, and it comes alive most in the late afternoon.

The square is also home to the Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen, rebuilt after a 1999 earthquake. From one corner, the Mirador Alto de la Cruz staircase offers panoramic views over the Quindío countryside.

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Cali’s main square is named after Joaquín de Caicedo y Cuero, a key figure in Colombia’s independence movement. Located in the city’s historic core, it marks the dividing point between the old and modern parts of town. Towering royal palms line the plaza, giving it a distinct look compared to more traditional colonial squares.

The plaza is surrounded by important landmarks like the Catedral de San Pedro, the French-inspired Otero Building, and several financial institutions. It serves as a central meeting point in Cali and is usually filled with pedestrians, vendors, and the city’s signature pigeons. While not as scenic as other squares on the list, its location and historical value make it one of the most emblematic in southwestern Colombia.

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While we placed Parque de los Novios as the most picturesque plaza in Santa Marta, we couldn’t in good conscience write about the most beautiful squares in Colombia without including Santa Marta’s Plaza Bolívar. Located just a few blocks from the Caribbean Sea, this tree-shaded square has deep historical roots. Once the city’s main square, it’s now a quieter park surrounded by museums and government buildings. At its center stands an equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar.

The square is bordered by the Casa de la Aduana, now home to the Tayrona Gold Museum, and the Archdiocesan Library, as well as other restored traditional buildings such as the Palacio de la Gobernación.

Fun fact: While the statue of Bolívar is impressive, it’s not iconographically accurate—his horse is depicted rearing on its hind legs, a pose typically reserved for riders who died in battle, which Bolívar did not.

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Located in the heart of Barranquilla’s old town, Plaza de San Nicolás was once the city’s main square. After years of neglect, it underwent major restoration efforts and has reemerged as a vibrant public space. The square is anchored by the Iglesia de San Nicolás de Tolentino, one of Barranquilla’s oldest churches and a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture.

Today, the square is surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and small businesses, with plenty of benches and trees offering shade. Its revival has helped draw attention back to Barranquilla’s historic core and supports efforts to preserve its remaining colonial and republican heritage.

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Located within the grounds of the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the Altar de la Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) is a solemn, monument-lined plaza dedicated to Simón Bolívar, who died here in 1830. Though not a traditional town square, it holds national significance as a commemorative space. The altar and plaza form part of an extensive historical park that includes the colonial hacienda where Bolívar spent his final days.

The plaza is flanked by palm trees and a neoclassical colonnade, with an eternal flame and a bust of Bolívar at its center. It is both a tourist attraction and a ceremonial site, particularly on national holidays.

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This square in Rionegro, just outside Medellín, played a central role in Colombia’s republican history. It was here in 1863 that the Constitución de Rionegro was signed, laying the foundations for a new federalist republic. The square is surrounded by colonial-style buildings and fronted by the Catedral de San Nicolás el Magno.

Though quieter than many tourist spots, Plaza de la Libertad is deeply symbolic and well-preserved. A statue of José María Córdova stands near its center, honoring the local independence hero born in the region.

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While this list of the most beautiful squares in Colombia mostly features plazas known for their historical or artistic significance, Medellín’s Parque de los Pies Descalzos offers a different kind of beauty. Built in the late 1990s as part of the city’s urban renewal projects, this square is more of an interactive public space than a traditional plaza.

Its name—”Barefoot Park”—reflects its purpose: inviting people to take off their shoes, slow down, and reconnect with nature. Popular with families, the space includes themed sections featuring sand, water, and bamboo.

The square is located next to the Museo del Agua EPM, a science museum that explores the role of water in nature, cities, and daily life through interactive exhibits.

Fun fact: The bamboo grove at the park’s edge was designed with input from Zen philosophy, intended to evoke calm and promote mindfulness in a busy urban setting.

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Often named the most beautiful town in Colombia, Barichara’s main square lives up to its reputation. Surrounded by stone-paved streets and adobe buildings with clay tile roofs, the plaza is an example of well-preserved colonial architecture. It’s framed by the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, built from ochre-colored stone that glows at sunset.

The square’s trees and shaded benches offer a peaceful pause from walking the hilly streets. Artisans and food stalls often set up along the edges, and the plaza also serves as a stage for cultural events and religious festivities throughout the year.

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Named after a prominent 19th-century educator and political activist, this square sits at the center of Pamplona in the Eastern Andes. Known for its academic life and colonial architecture, the city’s main square is a leafy gathering point surrounded by churches, the Casa Águeda Gallardo, and the Cathedral of Santa Clara.

The plaza is especially lively during university events and Holy Week, when Pamplona hosts one of the most important Semana Santa celebrations in the region. Its mix of historical buildings and civic energy makes it a key landmark in Norte de Santander.

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Located in the Chapinero district, Plaza de Lourdes centers around the Basílica Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, one of Bogotá’s most impressive examples of neo-Gothic architecture. The church’s spires and detailed stonework dominate the space, offering a dramatic contrast to the everyday energy of the surrounding neighborhood.

The square itself is compact but lively, framed by trees, mid-rise buildings, and a constant flow of pedestrians. It’s a common meeting point for locals and often hosts open-air events, political rallies, and street performances. Despite its urban bustle, the plaza still feels rooted in community routines—people gather for afternoon chats, snacks from nearby vendors, or quiet moments on one of the benches.

Fun fact: The current neo-Gothic church was completed in 1935, replacing earlier versions dating back to the late 19th century. It remains one of the few churches in Bogotá built entirely in that architectural style.