Casa de Nariño

A presidential palace with an older story

Casa de Nariño is the official residence and workplace of Colombia’s president, in the La Candelaria district of central Bogotá. The site is associated with Antonio Nariño, a Colombian intellectual and independence figure whose home stood here. The building became the presidential palace in 1885 and was substantially rebuilt in 1904 for that purpose. It was remodeled again in the 1970s; the neoclassical façade on Carrera 7 is the part of the original construction that remained.

The palace is a working government building, not a conventional museum. Its historic role and art are part of the guided visit, which gives you access to parts of the complex that are difficult to appreciate from outside.

Tours and the guard change

The palace administration runs free guided tours, with English and Spanish options. Applications through the official website are recommended about a month in advance. A guided visit is the way to see the interior and its art; access around the building is controlled, and police may restrict how close you can walk.

The presidential guard change takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 3:30pm. If you are visiting without a tour, keep to the directions given by security staff and avoid approaching restricted areas. Phones and bags may be subject to restrictions inside, so check the current visit instructions before setting out.

What to see nearby

Seventh Street, beyond the palace, has walls painted with street art that reflects Bogotá’s varied culture. La Candelaria also has cultural stops including the Gabriel García Márquez cultural center and the Luis Ángel Arango Library. These make it easy to pair the palace area with more time in the historic district.