Casa de la Libertad
Across the street from the plaza in Sucre is a quiet doorway leading into Bolivia's most important historic site.
Within the Casa de la Libertad is the Salón de la Independencia where Bolivia's independence was proclaimed.
Within the Casa de la Libertad is the Salón de la Independencia where Bolivia's independence was proclaimed.
The courtyard.
This is the birthplace of Bolivia. The Salón de la Independencia opens off the courtyard (the door to the right in the picture above.) Originally it was a Jesuit chapel, but when the Jesuits were expelled from the Spanish colonies it passed to the University of Saint Francis Xavier (the second oldest university in the western hemisphere and the alma mater of many leaders of the revolts against Spain. Part of it is still around the corner from the Casa de la Libertad.) The Act of Independence is displayed here. Portraits of revolutionary heroes including Bolivar and Sucre are featured on the back wall. |
Juana Azurduy de Padilla spent her early years in the wars of independence in Bolivia and Argentina and still had time to have at least five children. I am not sure, but I suspect the chest draped with the flags of Bolivia and Argentina is her reliquary. She is a hero in both countries.
The picture above is made of tiles and is mounted on a building a few blocks away. |
Antonio José de Sucre, revolutionary leader and the first president, figures large in the Casa de la Libertad.
A lot of the places I visited involved working around school groups. Below is the adjoining room with
portraits of the presidents. The incumbent, Evo Morales, is on the far wall to the left of the doorway.
A lot of the places I visited involved working around school groups. Below is the adjoining room with
portraits of the presidents. The incumbent, Evo Morales, is on the far wall to the left of the doorway.
This room is devoted to the viceregal period.
Next: discovering gold in Sucre!