Dream Colombia

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	Dream Santa Marta
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	Dream San Andres
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BOGOTA ALL OF COLOMBIA IN ONE CITY

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia since 1819, the year of the Declaration of Independence, was founded by Don Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada near the site of an important settlement of the Muisca Indians on August 6th, 1538.

Extension: 1732 km²
Population: 6.800.000
Temperature: 15 °C

Strolling on the streets of Bogotá while observing the hustle and bustle, its street vendors and shops, and its rhythmic vibrations can be as interesting as visiting its churches and colonial museums. The city also offers theaters and classical music, discotheques with the best musical styles, some of them in the so-called Zona Rosa (the rose zone).

PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED.

	The Gold Museum: this is the most important collection of its kind in the world. Close to 34,000 pieces of goldwork and 20,000 pieces of stone, ceramic, textile and precious stones from the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinú, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco, Malagana cultures, among others, are housed there

	Monserrate Peak and Sanctuary: Monserrate and its neighboring Guadalupe Peak are part of the mountain range that borders the eastern part of Bogotá. The Fallen Lord of Monserrate is venerated in the shrine. The temple, built in 1920, has the status of minor basilica. Its altar guards the image of the Fallen Lord, carved in wood by Pedro de Lugo y Albarracín in the 17th century. The sanctuary and the scenic overlook are 3200 m above sea level; from either a splendid panorama of the city may be enjoyed


			Historical Center of Bogotá: traditionally known as La Candelaria, it guards a valuable architectural heritage represented by buildings in the colonial and republican styles. The life of this area revolves around the Plaza de Bolívar, framed by four of the most important buildings in the city: the Prime Cathedral, the National Capitol, the Liévano Building (seat of the mayoralty), and the Palace of Justice. La Candelaria, the Chapel of El Sagrario, and the Church of Saint Augustine stand out among the areas churches


	International Center: this area marked a milestone in the history of urbanism in Bogotá. Important developments in architecture, business and cultural life have taken place there. The following are important tourist attractions: the National Museum of Colombia, the District Planetarium, the Bogotá Museum, the Colpatria Building, the Torres del Parque (apartment complex designed by the famous architect Rogelio Salmona), the Bullfighting Ring, the San Diego Church and Convent, the Museum of Modern Art, and the National Library

	Iberoamerican Theather Festival: Every two years, since 1978, theater groups from over thirty countries meet in Bogotá during seventeen days, including the days of the Catholic Holy Week, to perform the best of their repertoire. Many parades fill the street with color and the public enjoys street theater, marionettes, and pantomimes

	Bogotá, World Book Capital 2007: April 23, 2007 to April 22, 2008

	In Paris, on the 17th of June 2005, UNESCO selected Bogotá as World Book Capital for 2007. The respective document states that Colombia was selected on account of:

		The wholeness of its proposals. The existence of several specific initiatives for the World Book Capital program. The commitment of all the groups involved in books, public as well as private.

	This distinction was conferred by UNESCO and other international entities by virtue of the commitment of the city to the challenge of achieving that the almost seven million of the city’s inhabitants read, write, and have access to books

	-	Bogotá has a public policy of reading and writing established by the Mayor through of Decree 133 of the 26th of April of 2006

	-	A solid system of public libraries made up of 102 libraries strategically located in the city, small libraries in parks, and three modern mega libraries

	-	The publishing industry includes almost 294 publishers and representatives of the largest publishing houses in the Spanish-speaking world

	-	Six hundred and nineteen book stores

	-	An important and growing group of writers, active at the national and international levels

	-	The National Literary Prize “Ciudad de Bogotá” encourages the work of new Colombian writers

	-	Novel programs for fostering reading, such as Libro al Viento (Book to the Wind), a collection of classical literary works that the city government circulates free of cost.

	-	And finally, an extensive network of public and private associations that strive to facilitate public access to books and reading

	Thus, since the 23rd of April of 2007 and for a whole year, Bogotá will be the World Book Capital, following the example of Madrid, Alexandria, New Delhi, Antwerp, Montreal, and Turin

The following objectives have been set:

-To develop a culture of reading and writing by fostering the development of the priorities pointed out in Decree 133 on Public Policy of Reading and Writing for Bogotá.

-Encourage literary creation throughout the city.

-Strengthen the publishing and graphic industry and reactivate book distribution networks Focus society’s attention on books as transmitters of knowledge, culture, and entertainment.

-Join the efforts of public and private institutions related to books and reading for the purpose of strengthening and organizing their actions

These objectives are reflected in the Bogota World Book Capital 2007 programs. The programs have been structured along the book chain and involve al its actors: writers, publishers, printers, illustrators, booksellers, teachers, researchers and, naturally, readers. Additionally, the program wish to contribute locally, nationally, and internationally to the common purpose of strengthening and promoting reading and writing