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Presidential Palace
Plaza Murillo, La Paz, La Paz
The Basics
The regal façade has been painted bright yellow and bright orange, with contrasting white window frames and vertical lines that give the impression of columns. At the crown is a highly symbolic design feature:xa0 an Andean condor flying above the Bolivian coat of arms, a marriage of the spiritual and the civil. Most city walking tours include a stop at the palace. And while tourists are not allowed inside, a changing of the guard ceremony happens every day out in front in the Plaza Murillo. Other stops might include La Paz Cathedral, Witches’ Market and Jaen Street, considered the city’s most beautiful street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Presidential Palace is ideal for history and architecture lovers.
- Tourists are not allowed inside the palace but you can take pictures of the building from Plaza Murillo.
- There is no entrance fee to Plaza Murillo.
- Come early in the afternoon to see the changing of the palace guards.
- Be careful of pickpockets since it can be very crowded at the plaza.
How to Get There
The Presidential Palacexa0is located on Plaza Murilloxa0next to the La Paz Cathedral and across the Congress building. Situated in the center of La Paz, the palace is easy walking distance from Plaza San Francisco, Sagarnaga Street, Museo Nacional de Arte, Museo de Coca, and Witches Market.
When to Get There
The Presidential Palace is not open to tourists, but it may be admired any day of the week from Plaza Murillo. La Paz has a temperate spring-like climate year-round, with cooler temperatures from November through March. If you can, time a visit in May/June to experience the Festival of the Great Power (Fiesta del Gran Poder), featuring a colorful parade with brass bands and dancers.
La Paz Cathedral
Next door, atop a steep hill lies the impressive La Paz Cathedral. First built in the 17th century using bricks, lime, and stone, the church was reconstructed and re-opened in 1925. Featuring an immense metal dome, thick columns, heavy bronze doors with exquisite carvings, and stained glass windows depicting local politicians, the church is magnificent, however, photography is not permitted.
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attraction_detail_overview
- Museo Nacional de Arte (National Museum of Art)
- San Francisco Church
- Museum of Musical Instruments (Museo de Instrumentos Musicales)
- Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
- National Museum of Archeology (Museo Nacional de Arqueologia)
- Calle Jaen Museums
- Plaza Murillo
- La Paz Cathedral
- Valle de La Luna (Valley of the Moon)
- Death Road (North Yungas Road)
- La Senda Verde
- Tiwanaku
- Lake Titicaca