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Square · Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz
Plaza 24 de Septiembre
The central square of Santa Cruz, with tall trees, benches and the statue of Ignacio Warnes, surrounded by the brick cathedral, the Palacio de Gobierno departamental and large houses with verandas.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Plaza 24 de Septiembre is the center of Santa Cruz de la Sierra and is named after the date in 1810 when the city rose up against Spanish rule. It is a large, shaded square with tall trees, gardens, benches and, in the middle, the statue of Colonel Ignacio Warnes, a hero of independence. The city's people use the square to talk, read the newspaper and stroll in the late afternoon.
Around it stand the Catedral Basílica de San Lorenzo, with exposed brick, the Palacio de Gobierno departamental, the city hall and large one- or two-story houses with verandas supported by wooden columns over the sidewalks, typical of the architecture of the Bolivian Oriente, which protect from sun and rain.
The streets that radiate from the square form the historic center, the city's first ring, with shops, cafes, churches and museums. The Casa de la Cultura Raúl Otero Reiche, on one side, hosts exhibitions and performances.
At night, the square is lit and lively, especially on weekends. During Carnival, the center is taken over by comparsas and parades.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour; with the Cathedral and the tower, about 2 hours.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when it's cooler and the square is lively. At night the facades are illuminated.
How to get there
It is the center of Santa Cruz: most downtown hotels are a few minutes' walk away. From Equipetrol it's about 15 minutes by taxi; from the airport, 16 km.
Tip
Sit in the square in the late afternoon when the heat drops, and then climb the Cathedral tower. Walk the surrounding streets on sidewalks covered by the verandas.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Why is the plaza called 24 de Septiembre?
For the 1810 date when Santa Cruz rose up against Spanish rule.
Who is the statue in the plaza?
Colonel Ignacio Warnes, a hero of the independence war in the region.
What is around the plaza?
The Cathedral, the departmental Palacio de Gobierno, the city hall, the Casa de la Cultura and large veranda houses.