Photo Gallery

Bogotá, whose full name is Bogotá de Santa Fe, is the most contrasting of the Andean capitals. Modern skyscrapers are increasingly rivalling the colonial stately buildings. From 1932 onwards, but particularly after the Second World War, economic development set in, leading to the formation of new industrial and residential districts, but also of vast slums. Whilst the city had not yet reached half a million inhabitants in 1945, this figure has since risen to over seven million. Bogotá was deliberately built by the Spanish conquistador Jiménez de Quesada right in the heart of the former Chibcha Empire; for a long time, it was therefore dependent on steamboat transport on the River Magdalena. Today, thanks to the railway, it is connected to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, whilst passenger transport is predominantly by air. - Book: Picture 166 - Colombia - 1976

A view of the city centre of Bogotá in Colombia, featuring the striking Torres de Fenicia. These are two high-rise towers, each around 100 metres high, which stand out clearly against the historic and densely built-up cityscape. The residential complex was built in 1970. – 1977

The Edificio Aseguradora del Valle is a striking 20-storey office block in the international centre of Bogotá, Colombia, which opened in 1972 and is renowned for its curved, staircase-like façade design. The building stands at a height of around 74.4 metres and is characterised by staggered, curved concrete bands that lend it a distinctive visual dynamism. – 1977

The Edificio Avianca is a historic high-rise building situated in Parque Santander in the historic centre of Bogotá, Colombia. Completed in 1969, it stands at a height of around 161 metres. At the time of its opening, it was the tallest building in Latin America and Colombia’s first skyscraper to break the 150-metre mark. – 1977

This historic street in the La Candelaria old town district of Bogotá, Colombia, offers a view eastwards towards the steep slopes of the Andes. It is characterised by whitewashed façades, traditional wooden balconies and tiled roofs. La Candelaria is the historic heart of Bogotá, with its numerous narrow alleyways, museums and colonial churches. – 1977

A golden breast ornament from the Tolima culture, Colombia, depicting a bird-human hybrid with an openwork central section and an anchor-like base (10.5 x 19.2 cm, 184 g). Museo del Oro, Bogotá, Colombia. - Book: Picture 63 - Colombia - 1973