Casa Museo Antonio Ricaurte | Villa de Leyva

Information

Landmark: Casa Museo Antonio Ricaurte
City: Villa de Leyva
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America

Casa Museo Antonio Ricaurte, Villa de Leyva, Colombia, South America

Casa Museo Antonio Ricaurte is a historical house museum located in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. It preserves the memory of Antonio Ricaurte, a Colombian independence hero.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a colonial-era house constructed primarily from adobe brick and whitewashed plaster. It features a red-tiled roof and wooden doors and window frames. The interior courtyard is paved with stone. The building is two stories high.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at Calle 12 # 10-20 in the historic center of Villa de Leyva. It is approximately 150 kilometers north of Bogotá. Parking is available on surrounding streets, though it can be limited during peak hours. Public transport to Villa de Leyva is primarily via bus from Bogotá's Terminal Salitre. Within Villa de Leyva, the museum is within walking distance of the main plaza.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The house dates back to the 18th century and was the residence of Antonio Ricaurte, a lieutenant in Simón Bolívar's army. It was later converted into a museum to commemorate his role in the Colombian War of Independence.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view exhibits detailing Antonio Ricaurte's life and military career. The museum displays period furniture and artifacts. Guided tours are available, explaining the historical context of the house and its occupant.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present within the courtyard. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available. Food vendors and restaurants are located in the vicinity of the main plaza.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows. The dry season, from December to March and July to August, offers the most favorable weather conditions for visiting.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact displayed is the supposed cannonball that Antonio Ricaurte used to defend the city, which is said to have been fired from his own hands.