Take time to admire the neoclassical architecture of the Palacio Presidencial (Presidential Palace), one of many photogenic buildings in La Paz’s historic Plaza Murillo. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Bolivia’s president, though the president works from elsewhere in the city. Watch a changing of the guard ceremony then look for statues of former Bolivian presidents and military heroes.
Check out the charming yellow façade, characterized by orderly columns, symmetrical windows and balconets. Look for the Bolivian coat of arms, which takes pride of place at the top of the building. As well as a stylish design, the palace possesses an interesting history. Built in the mid-1800s it stands on the site of La Paz’s original 16th-century city hall. It also carries the nickname Palacio Quemado (Burned Palace) after being ravaged by fire in 1875.
Observe the soldiers who guard the entrance to the palace. Their red 19th-century uniforms pay homage to the soldiers that fought during the War of the Pacific with Chile. Time your visit right and you may be able to witness the brief changing of the guard ceremony. There’s no public access to the palace but the guards sometimes allow visitors to glimpse inside the central courtyard.
Go to the center of Plaza Murillo to see a bust of Gualberto Villarroel. Vigilantes removed him from the palace in 1946, killed him and then hung his body from a lamppost. Gaze up at the towering statue of Pedro Domingo Murillo, a key player during the war of independence who in 1810 was also hanged. While here take time to appreciate the other architectural gems surrounding the square. These include the imposing Cathedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz and picturesque Palacio Legislativo.
The Presidential Palace stands on the south side of Plaza Murillo, in La Paz’s city center. Get here by taking low-cost shared mini buses or also cheap taxis. Otherwise, it’s a 10-minute walk from Plaza San Francisco.
