Casa de la Libertad is considered to be Bolivia’s most important historic monument. This is the spot where the events leading to the independence of the country occurred and where the Bolivian Republic emerged. Both emblematic and symbolic, it continues to be a civic cultural space where the country’s most important ceremonial acts take place.
In 1621, the Society of Jesus started construction work on the building, which was going to be part of the Pontifical University of San Francisco Xavier. The building itself is an architectural gem of the viceregal period. The museum is located in the old single-storey cloister. It is surrounded by galleries and granite columns support its roof. Architectural highlights include the huge, native cedar door studded with bronze nails and featuring big knockers as well as the Independence Hall with its carved and gilded, Hispanic and American Native choir, the fancy seating as well as the multicoloured Mudejar coffered ceiling.
The domestic chapel of the university was the main hall where candidates used to defend their PhD thesis. The deputies of the General Assembly of the Departments of Upper Peru issued the Declaration of Independence and proclaimed the Republic of Bolívar in this very hall on 6th of August 1825. Bolivia’s first constitution, drawn up by the liberator Simon Bolívar, and the basic laws of the new state were ratified within these walls. It was also here that Field Marshal Sucre was sworn in as the Republic’s first president.
The Liberty House became a museum in the second third of the 20th century. Invaluable artefacts are on display in the Independence Hall. Among them figure the Independence Act, the portraits of the liberators Simon Bolívar, Antonio José de Sucre and José Ballivian as well as two of their swords that were victoriously used in several battles in 1824 and 1841.
Portraits, medals and personal belongings of Bolivia’s presidents are shown in the Senate Room. Field Marshal Sucre Room is dedicated to the illustrious hero. The Macha flag, also known as the Belgrano flag and regarded as the most sacred patriotic symbol by Argentinians and Bolivians alike, is housed in the chapel-shaped alcove. The Hero Room highlights the portrait and the remains of the legendary guerrilla fighter Juana Azurduy de Padilla as well as the portrait of her guerrilla husband, Manuel Ascencio Padilla. The Honour Room is decorated with 19th century French furniture.
The library, the archives, and the map collection are open to national and international researchers.