I got into El Dorado Airport, Bogota, from Quito. It was an early evening flight, however it took over an hour to get through immigration, so it was after 9pm that I caught a taxi. Luckily there was not much traffic, so it only took 20 minutes to get to my accommodation.
The next day my first visit was to the Gold Museum. It is hailed as an excellent world-standard museum, and I would agree with this rating. The artefacts, divided by tribe, are of such a fine quality and level of detail that it is hard to imagine. The goldsmiths used wax loss methods to make these fine detailed artefacts. Some items were large –used as jewellery and masks as well as chest plates, while others are very fine, short figurines. (No photos)
After this I had some lunch and carried on to the main square. I didn’t spend too much time here though as there was a large demonstration and these can get out of hand pretty quickly in South America; so I wasn’t taking any chances. I may go back upon my return to the city.
Hereafter I went to see the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen church. This is a magnificent red and cream coloured building. This decoration is used both on the inside and outside the church. The altar is a large mosaic. The stained glass windows are different from most which usually display bible scenes or biblical figures. These are of nature and repeated in the windows.
The next stop was the Botero Museum. Botero is one of the most famous Colombian artists. He paints still lives of fruit and, most famously, of overly large personalities. Note in the photos of the artwork how the kids are all painted with freakishly adult faces- it is unnerving!!
The exhibits also include works of other famous artists such as Picasso, Klimt & Monet.
The streets of the historic centre are also filled with beautiful colonial buildings, making it nice to just walk around. There is also a great deal of very good street art around the city, which is noticeable all the way from the airport.
One reply on “Bogota”
Good grief…. overly large is correct…. you saiid the painter was famous???