Discover Socorro Province through the historic sites of El Socorro, which offer different perspectives: the convent, places of political remembrance, cultural centers, and squares each represent different aspects of the town’s history. Several of the sites mentioned are in the historic center. When deciding what to see, you can therefore consider whether you are most interested in architectural history, the political past, or the layout of public squares.
The Convent and Political History
In the upper part of El Socorro, the Convento de los Capuchinos San Juan Bautista stands beside the Capilla de Santa Bárbara on the historic Calle Real. Construction began in 1787 and was completed in 1795. The Convento is considered one of the first Capuchin convents built in the Americas. This site therefore brings together a precisely dated building and a history whose significance extends beyond the municipality. Its location beside the chapel and on Calle Real also provides a clear point of reference within El Socorro.
El Capitolio del Estado, on Calle 16 in the historic center, offers a different historical perspective. The building recalls the important political role the municipality played in the 19th century. While the Convento is understood through its construction dates and its status as an early Capuchin convent, the Capitolio points to the town’s political history. Visitors who want to distinguish between the two themes will find here two different ways of exploring the past.
Cultural Centers and Historic Buildings
The Casa de la Cultura Horacio Rodríguez Plata is housed in an old villa built at the end of the 18th century. Its address is Calle 14 No. 12-35, and it is just a few meters from Parque de la Independencia. In 1971, Decree 1771 declared it a National Monument. The villa was therefore also built at the end of the 18th century, while its designation as a monument marks a separate, later date.
The Casa de la Logia Masónica is also in the historic center. It is located in the former Triángulo Masón, near the remains of the Capitolio del Estado Soberano de Santander. Its location places it within an earlier historical context. The Casa de Berbeo adds another perspective on the older buildings: it stands opposite the main park and near the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Socorro, and is considered one of the municipality’s oldest colonial houses.
Squares and Finding Your Way Around the Town Center
Two parks with clearly identified buildings opposite them are useful landmarks for navigating public spaces. Parque Antonia Santos Plata, also known as Parque La Chiquinquirá, is opposite the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá. Parque de la Independencia is opposite the Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora del Socorro. Each place can therefore be associated with a named church; the Casa de la Cultura is also just a few meters from Parque de la Independencia.
The Plaza de Mercado de El Socorro provides another spatial reference point. It is in the San Victorino sector, between Carreras 16 and 17 and Calles 12 and 13, in the town center. Together with the street addresses of the Casa de la Cultura and the Capitolio, this gives a more precise picture of the named areas of town without combining them into a set route.
Choose the Focus of Your Stay
If you would like to focus on architectural history, the Convento and the villa that houses the Casa de la Cultura offer specific dates from the late 18th century; the Casa de la Cultura also has its 1971 monument designation. The Capitolio represents political history, recalling the municipality’s role in the 19th century. The Casa de la Logia Masónica and the Casa de Berbeo round out the selection with their respective historic locations and their status as older buildings.
If you prefer to use public spaces as landmarks, you can distinguish between the two parks by the churches opposite them and include the Casa de la Cultura’s location at Parque de la Independencia. The Plaza de Mercado, in turn, is identified by its sector and the adjoining streets. Socorro Province thus offers several specific historical perspectives to help you plan your trip, rather than focusing on just one type of building or a single period.
Discover more destinations: Puente Nacional, Santa Bárbara, Valle San José, Lebrija, Piedecuesta, La Granja, Girón, Charalá
For an overview of the wider region: Santander.
