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Square · Sucre, Chuquisaca
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Sucre’s central square, with gardens, palm trees and the statue of Sucre, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Casa de la Libertad, the departmental Government Palace and white colonial mansions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Plaza 25 de Mayo
Plaza 25 de Mayo has been Sucre’s center since the city was founded in 1538. It takes its name from the 1809 date when the city rose up against the Spanish authorities, in what is called the first cry of liberty in South America. In the middle, among gardens and palm trees, stands the statue of Marshal Antonio José de Sucre, who gave the city its name.
Around the square are the main historic buildings. On the northeast side is the Metropolitan Cathedral, with the white tower. On the north side is the Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia’s independence was signed. The other sides have the departmental Government Palace, the city hall and whitewashed colonial mansions with wooden balconies and inner courtyards.
The square is the locals’ meeting point, with benches, shoeshiners and vendors selling ice cream and juice, and many students from the city’s universities. At night the façades are lit. Streets from here lead to La Recoleta, the Central Market and Parque Bolívar.
On May 25 the square hosts parades for the city’s civic day. Official buildings are usually only partly open to visitors.
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
30 minutes to 1 hour; with the Casa de la Libertad and the Cathedral, half a day.
Best time
It's Sucre's center: most hotels in the historic center are less than a 10-minute walk away. From the Terminal de Buses it's 3 km by taxi.
How to get there
Sit on the plaza benches to rest between visits and try the orange juice from the vendors. Start your day at Casa de la Libertad, right on the square.
Tip
Sit on the benches in the square to rest between visits and try the orange juice from the vendors. Begin the day at the Casa de la Libertad, right on the square.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza 25 de Mayo
Why is the plaza called 25 de Mayo?
Because of the date May 25, 1809, when the city rose up against the Spanish authorities in the movement called the first cry of freedom of South America.
What is around the square?
The Cathedral, the Casa de la Libertad, the departmental Palacio de Gobierno, the city hall and colonial mansions.
Who was Sucre?
Antonio José de Sucre, a Venezuelan marshal, won the Battle of Ayacucho in 1824 and was the first constitutional president of Bolivia. The city is named after him.