Facing the Plaza 25 de Mayo in Sucre, the Casa de la Libertad is Bolivia's first national monument. It was in this colonial building, a former Jesuit headquarters turned university, that the country's independence was proclaimed on August 6, 1825. The museum housed within today brings together archives, artworks, and relics tracing the major milestones in the nation's founding.

Why visit Casa de la Libertad

The visit appeals to anyone wishing to understand the genesis of the Bolivian state. Three elements justify the detour:

• The exact location where the independence deed was signed, with the original document preserved on-site.
• A coherent collection of objects, portraits, and flags linked to the Republic's founding figures.
• An architectural testament to the vice-royal period, in carefully maintained condition.

Plan one to one and a half hours to explore the entire space. Guided tours are offered in English-speaking, Spanish, and Quechua.

History of the building

The edifice was erected in 1621 by the Manzana Jesuítica de La Plata, at the edge of the present-day Plaza 25 de Mayo. From 1624 onward, it housed the Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier, founded with the support of the Holy See. It stands as one of the Americas' oldest university establishments, training jurists and theologians of Upper Peru for two centuries.

On August 6, 1825, Bolivia's independence was officially proclaimed in the complex's domestic chapel, then used as a defense hall for doctoral candidates. Marshal Antonio José de Sucre took the oath there as the Republic's first president.

In the twentieth century, the building became a repository of historical artifacts. The Society of Geography and History of Sucre administered the establishment until 1974. Following a restoration campaign in the 1970s, the Cultural Foundation of Bolivia's Central Bank assumed its management.

What to see on-site

The Independence Hall

The museum's emblematic room, it preserves the original document of Upper Peru's independence deed, under the gaze of portraits of Simón Bolívar, José Ballivián, and Antonio José de Sucre. The polychrome Mudéjar ceiling recalls the Spanish-American aesthetic of colonial edifices. The first independent South American flag is also displayed here.

Relics and civic collections

The display cases house relics of Juana Azurduy de Padilla and Manuel Ascencio Padilla, leaders of the Upper Peruvian guerrilla. Paintings depicting civil and religious events, wooden and metal sculptures, nineteenth-century garments, and objects linked to the Chaco War are also on view.

The cloister and library

The museum occupies a former cloister surrounded by galleries and granite columns. The main door in cedar, fitted with imposing knockers, sets the tone. The library houses more than 9,800 volumes dedicated to the country's history and geography, as well as maps dating from the colonial era.

The heritage of 36 nations

The museum also presents the tangible and intangible heritage of the 36 nations comprising Bolivia's plurinational state, through permanent and traveling exhibitions. Educational activities punctuate the Bolivian civic calendar.

Practical information

Casa de la Libertad sits facing Plaza 25 de Mayo, in Sucre's historic center. The neighborhood is easily explored on foot from most downtown accommodations. Urban micros (minibuses) also serve the plaza; their route is posted on the windshield.

Sucre is connected to the rest of the country via the Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport. Bus connections from Potosí, Cochabamba, or La Paz are frequent.

Entrance fees remain modest, with distinct pricing for Bolivian nationals and foreign visitors, plus a surcharge for photography. Rates are regularly adjusted; verify on-site or with your accommodation before your visit.

When to visit

The museum opens in the morning from Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays. Exact hours vary by season; it's wise to confirm the day before. To minimize wait times at Independence Hall, opt for opening hours, especially during peak tourist season (June to September) or around August 6, the national holiday, when the site draws particularly large crowds.

What to see nearby

Casa de la Libertad is part of a broader heritage route through southern Bolivia:

• Sucre: its white historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lends itself to a two-day walking exploration.
• Casa de la Moneda in Potosí: a former imperial mint, a natural complement to understanding the colonial economy.
• Cerro Rico Mines: the underbelly of the system that financed the Spanish empire and fueled the idea of independence.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

Casa de la Libertad is a logical starting point for understanding Bolivian history before exploring the rest of the country. To build an itinerary combining Sucre, Potosí, the Salar de Uyuni, or Lake Titicaca, consult our custom Bolivie journeys.