National Palace

The basics

Designated as a national monument in the 1970s, the National Palace serves as the administrative court of Valle del Cauca and Cali High Court, and houses a small museum dedicated to the regional production of sugarcane. Huge palm trees mark the palace’s entrance, which makes for great photo opportunities. It’s also close to other recognizable Cali landmarks, such as the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral and Simon Bolivar Park (Parque Simón Bolívar), all of which you can tick off with ease on a walking tour.

Things to know before you go

• You can’t enter the palace proper, as it’s reserved for people on official government business.

• Outside the palace, you’ll find plenty of street vendors selling fruit, juice, and coffee.

• The walkway leading from Plaza de Caicedo to the palace’s entrance is flat and even, and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Conveniently located in Cali’s historic center, the National Palace is an approximately 3-minute walk of the famous Ermita Church (Iglesia La Ermita). The closest bus stop is Plaza de Cayzedo, which is serviced by buses E21, P24B, P27D, and P52D.

When to get there

Plaza de Caicedo is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can admire the National Palace either during the day or evening; take the usual precautions when exploring the area at night. During the holiday season in December (which also coincides with the Cali Fair), the palace is often decorated festively with lights and projections depicting religious scenes.

Exploring Cali’s historical center

While most famous for its salsa-dancing culture, Cali also boasts a rich historical tapestry of architecture, with many important buildings within a stone’s throw of the National Palace. Top picks include Ermita Church—a neo-Gothic church famous for its Italian marble altar and Dutch musical clock—and the grand, powder-white Metropolitan Cathedral.