Palace of Kemado

• Address: Ruta Nacional 2, La Paz, Bolivia
• Phone: +591 69442858
• Website: www.presidencia.gob.bo
• Opening date: 1825
• Author of the project: José Núñez del Prado

The palace of Quemado (in Spanish Palacio Quemado) is also known as the Palace of Government (Palacio de Gobierno). It is the official residence of the President of Bolivia and is located in the city of La Paz . The name of the building is translated from Spanish as "burnt" and has its own unusual history. In 1875, the insurgent Bolivians stormed the palace, which was then occupied by President Thomas Frias Ametller, but they could not seize him, so they burned to the ground. Since then, the residence has been rebuilt many times, but this nickname is firmly entrenched in it.

If you have visited the city for the first time, you will not be able to miss this majestic neo-classical building, located opposite the building of the Bolivian parliament near the city's cathedral.

Historical digression

The palace has a long and rather turbulent history. The construction of the first building in this place began in 1559. More than two centuries later, the arcades surrounding the first floor, arches and galleries, which are the decoration of the second floor, the front staircase and the courtyard, were attached to it. In 1825, after the conquest of Bolivia, the building became the Government House. After the fire in the late XIX century, the residence was restored several times.

There are a lot of legends about Kemado. Several princes and opposition figures have said goodbye to life, so superstitious residents say that their spirits periodically visit this building.

The exterior of the palace

The Palace of Kemado in La Paz looks pretty majestic. In its foyer, visitors are greeted by the bust of the infamous President Gualberto Villarroel Lopez, whom the enraged mob hung on a lamppost on the square in 1946. In the middle of the twentieth century, the interior of the building became less ascetic: much attention was paid to decorative elements. In many rooms, especially in the main hall, brown and cream colors predominate, emphasized by cinnabar elements.

Arched entrance in the lobby is made of expensive black and yellow marble, it is supported by columns in ionic style. Now the palace serves not only as a venue for official receptions, but is also ready for the residence of higher-ranking officials of the state and members of their families. On the third floor there are bedrooms and a separate bathroom.

Since 1973, on the roof of the residence there is a helipad. In the building, tourists can visit the presidential museum, where portraits of all the country's rulers are presented by the work of famous local artists, historical flags, a small library and historical uniforms of the presidential guard.

The palace is comfortable with comfort: there is an elevator, modern communication systems, an independent power generator and computers of the latest generation.

The building has a rectangular shape the size of 37x39 m. The height of the main facade that faces the Murillo square is 15 m. The facade is an excellent example of a neoclassical style with such remarkable features as columns. The first floor is decorated with Doric pilasters, the second one - Ionic, and the third - Corinthian.

The windows are also complemented by decorative elements. On the first floor are ordinary cornices, on the next - scrolls, and on the third floor - triangular pediments. The window of each room, with the exception of the Red Room, is equipped with a balcony door. The most remarkable architectural "raisings" of the interior are the marble staircase and Doric columns. The walls of the first floor are made of natural stone.

Indoor facilities

Among the most interesting rooms of the palace, which are worth a look at, we will highlight the following:

1. Cabinet of public relations. It is located in the basement and is an improvised presidential office. Decrees, laws, decrees, bulletins and orders for the executive are sent and issued here. The entry and maintenance of visitors is through a door that faces Ayacucho Street.
2. Red room. This grand hall is designed for receptions and meetings. It is located on the second floor and has three access to the balcony. The name of the room is connected with the color of local carpets and draperies. The interior of the room is truly luxurious: it has furniture made in the style of Louis XVI with a predominance of cream and pink tones, as well as a shade of cinnabar. Fine lighting is provided by large chandeliers, and pictures from the walls tell of the struggle for the independence of Bolivia.
3. Cabinet of the Prime Minister, President and Presidential Bedroom. All three rooms are located on the third floor. The Cabinet of the Prime Minister is decorated in a business style and strikes with its thoughtful functionality. The bedroom is dominated by pink colors, it also has a separate bathroom and an antique staircase. In the office of the president the main element of the interior is a massive table made of mahogany. Behind him on the wall hangs a portrait of President Andres de Santa Cruz.
4. Mirror hall. It is on the second floor. Here, protocol meetings are held, diplomats are appointed, credentials are presented. The room is named so because of the mirrors in the gilded frames, hung on the walls and are real works of art. Among other interior features - emerald green curtains, spherical-shaped chandeliers, parquet floor, rococo chairs. The only picture in the room is the first map of Bolivia, which hangs over the president's table.
5. The main dining room. Here, on the second floor, they arrange protocol lunches. The room is fully furnished with Rococo style furniture.
6. The office. This is a kind of waiting room in front of the President's office on the third floor. In the center of the room there is an oval table and chairs, upholstered in leather and reminiscent of the era of Louis XVI. It is here that the unique presidential chair, decorated with the Bolivian arms, stands.

How to get to the Burnt Palace?

If after arriving in La Paz you rent a car, you should go along the wide avenue named after Simon Bolivar to the intersection with Ruta Nacional Street 2. Then turn right and just 200 meters you will see the palace.