Villa de Leyva Main Square — Attraction in Boyacá

The historical center of Villa de Leyva has been largely frozen in time since its foundation in the 16th century. At the heart of this Colombian colonial gem lies a vast square paved with river stones, the largest plaza in Colombia and one of the largest in South America.

Villa de Santa María de Leyva was founded on June 12, 1572, by Hernán Suárez de Villalobos, under the orders of Andrés Díaz Venero de Leiva, the first president of the New Kingdom of Granada (after whom the town is named). Built in the classic Spanish colonial style with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and terracotta roofs, the town of some 17,000 people has been remarkably well-preserved.

At the heart of Villa de Leyva lies an unusually large square–the largest in Colombia and one of the largest in South America–which on a quiet day seems excessively expansive. Apart from a small central fountain, the 150,695-square-foot (14,000-square-meter) plaza is a sea of cobbles surrounded by a sliver of low-lying whitewashed colonial buildings. In colonial times up until the mid-20th century neither the plaza nor the streets of the town were paved with river stones. The stones were added to keep dust storms at bay.

The existence of this vast plaza in such a small town is due to two things: Villa de Leyva’s original function and, to a lesser extent, bored soldiers. The town was originally built to serve as a storage site for the region’s agricultural produce, so a large main square was required for all the incoming goods. The square itself was built by soldiers who had come to conquer the New World (and in this case the local indigenous Muisca), and who now found themselves with time on their hands. So when it came to building the square, it was a case of going big...

Villa de Leyva's Main Square, Plaza Principal de Villa de Leyva, is a captivating destination that embodies the charm and beauty of this colonial town. Surrounded by historic buildings, quaint cafes, and artisanal shops, the plaza serves as the heart of Villa de Leyva.

One cannot help but be mesmerized by the plaza's grandeur and tranquility. The vast cobblestone square, flanked by towering trees and adorned with a central fountain, offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy.

The plaza is not only a scenic spot for leisurely strolls but also a hub of activity and cultural significance. Throughout the year, it plays host to various events and festivals, showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of the region.

Surrounding the plaza are several architectural gems, including the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the colonial-era houses that add to the plaza's allure. Additionally, the abundance of cafes and restaurants lining the square offer a perfect opportunity to indulge in local cuisine while soaking in the ambiance.

Overall, Plaza Principal de Villa de Leyva is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this charming Colombian town. Its timeless beauty, rich history, and lively atmosphere make it a memorable highlight of any trip to...

An awesome place to spend New years Eve, the people are truly welcoming and have great ambiance for all tourists and locals, it is hard to transit the town streets during the holidays since it is truly packed and most of those streets are blocked only for pedestrians due to the beautiful Christmas lights throughout Villa de Leyva main square, the city throws a great party for all to enjoy free, so make sure to rent a good place to stay or go to Duruelo famous hotel, pricey but truly beautiful. You'll enjoy the fireworks at midnight and a great party to enjoy with friends. Do not forget to book your stay ahead of time since reservations get truly challenging once it is Dicember! Make sure as well to get the famous dessert milhoja( Colombian dulce de Leche pastry), Feijoba juice in milk, and cocido boyacence soup, the restaurants are also a must try...