Socorro Province: Discover Historic El Socorro
Accommodation in Socorro Province
In Socorro Province, El Socorro takes center stage with its buildings, squares, and varied historical connections. Religious architectural history, colonial houses, and the community’s political role in the 19th century offer different ways to get to know the town. Specific landmarks such as a historic street, a park, or a church can help you find your way. This can help you decide which places and subjects are especially interesting for your stay.
Buildings shaped by architectural history and the political past
The Convento de los Capuchinos San Juan Bautista is in the upper part of El Socorro, next to the Capilla de Santa Bárbara on the historic Calle Real. Construction began in 1787 and ended in 1795. The convent is considered one of the first Capuchin monasteries built in the Americas. Its construction dates and historical significance make it a distinctive point of interest if you are interested in the early history of religious buildings.
El Capitolio del Estado is on Calle 16 in the historic center. It recalls the important political role the community played in the 19th century. This gives it a different historical focus from the convent: here, the subject is the town’s political past. The precise street address helps you locate the building in the historic center.
Casa de la Cultura Horacio RodrÃguez Plata also brings together a historic building and a notable location. It occupies an old villa built at the end of the 18th century, at Calle 14 No. 12-35. It is just a few meters from Parque de la Independencia. In 1971, the Casa was declared a National Monument by Decree 1771. When choosing historic stops, both the age of the building and its monument designation are important distinguishing features.
Casa de la Logia Masónica is in the historic center, in the former Triángulo Masón and near the remains of the Capitolio del Estado Soberano de Santander. The name of the former Triángulo Masón and the proximity to the Capitolio remains give this place a different historical connection. Casa de Berbeo, meanwhile, is opposite the main park and near the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Socorro. It is one of the oldest colonial houses in the community. This makes it possible to distinguish interest in historic homes from the political history surrounding the Capitolio.
Squares and navigation in the historic center
If your stay focuses on public squares, two parks offer different points of reference. Parque Antonia Santos Plata is also known as Parque La Chiquinquirá and is opposite the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá in the historic center. Parque de la Independencia is in the heart of the historic center, opposite the BasÃlica Menor de Nuestra Señora del Socorro. The church or basilica opposite each park can help you tell the two squares apart. Their names are useful, too: Parque La Chiquinquirá refers to the same square as Parque Antonia Santos Plata, while Parque de la Independencia is a separate landmark.
The Plaza de Mercado de El Socorro is in the San Victorino sector in the town center. It is located between Carreras 16 and 17 and Calles 12 and 13. These street boundaries provide a precise location if you plan to visit the market during your trip. Check in advance when a visit is possible for you.
For an overview of the wider trip: Santander.
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