Known for its vibrant cultural life, colonial architecture, and mountainous landscapes, Bogotá’s roots run deep, tracing back to the region’s earliest inhabitants. Exploring Bogotá’s history is a journey through time, revealing the origins of a city that continues to evolve. From ancient Indigenous civilizations to Spanish colonization, each chapter of Bogotá’s story has left an indelible mark on its identity, showcasing the rich History of Bogotá that shapes its vibrant culture today.
In this article, we’ll highlight three key aspects of the History of Bogotá to help you understand and fall in love with this beautiful city
The Early Inhabitants and the Founding of Bogotá
Bogotá’s history dates back to pre-Columbian times when the region was inhabited by the Muisca, an Indigenous civilization of the Chibcha linguistic family. These early settlers lived in the highlands and temperate foothills between the Sumapaz massif to the southwest and the Cocuy snowy peak to the northeast, covering an area of about 25,000 square kilometers, which includes the Bogotá plateau and parts of today’s Boyacá and Santander departments.
Organized in federations under leaders such as the Zipa and the Zaque, the Muisca developed a dispersed agricultural society consisting of small villages and hamlets. Their economy relied on agriculture, complemented by hunting, fishing, and mining for salt and emeralds. While they did not build large cities like other pre-Columbian civilizations, they left a significant cultural and economic legacy in the region.
The modern city of Bogotá was founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada in 1538, establishing a settlement on Muisca land. Although no official founding document exists, August 6, 1538, is widely recognized as the city’s founding date. On that day, according to tradition, the priest Fray Domingo de las Casas celebrated the first mass in a thatched-roof church near what is now the cathedral or Santander Park. Thus, the city of Santa Fe de Bogotá was born, later becoming the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada and, eventually, Colombia.
The Botanical Expedition and Religious Influence
One of the most significant milestones in Bogotá’s history was the Botanical Expedition, led by José Celestino Mutis and funded by Archbishop-Viceroy Caballero y Góngora. Starting in Bogotá in 1791, this expedition aimed to study the native flora of the Americas. With the participation of prominent scientists like Francisco José de Caldas and Jorge Tadeo Lozano, the expedition made substantial contributions to scientific knowledge of the region’s biodiversity.
In addition to its scientific importance, Bogotá was also a center of religious influence during the colonial era. Religious orders such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Jesuits established churches, convents, and schools in the city, shaping the spirit and customs of its inhabitants. Religion played a fundamental role in the daily life and culture of colonial society, exerting ideological and political influence well into the 18th century.
The Patria Boba and the Struggle for Independence
During the period known as Patria Boba (1810–1815), Bogotá witnessed political unrest and ideological conflicts that accelerated Colombia’s fight for independence. This period was marked by clashes between Creoles, ideological disputes, and the emergence of the first republican parties. Key events such as the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1781 and the Cry of Independence on July 20, 1810, were pivotal moments in this struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Amid this turbulence, Bogotá became a stage for political debates and confrontations that shaped the nation’s path toward independence. Figures like Antonio Nariño and the leaders of the July 20 movement played crucial roles in resisting Spanish rule and advocating for self-governance in Colombia.
Bogotá Today: A City Shaped by Its History
Today, Bogotá is a thriving and cosmopolitan city that remains Colombia’s political, cultural, and economic center. Its rich history and cultural h3 Facts to Help You Understand the History of Bogotá eritage are essential aspects of its identity, reminding us that the past lives on in every corner of its streets.
