PLAZA DE MERCADO

A building resembling the Greek Parthenon was initially used by the San Bartolomé Franciscan convent. However, it was abandoned after the earthquake of 1805 left it in ruins. It was temporarily repurposed as a military barracks and later transformed into a marketplace by the English engineer Henry Valsint, taking 18 years to complete (1917-1935). It boasts 148 columns (76 external and 72 internal), with the external ones featuring Doric capitals and Ionic bases, while the internal ones consist of 36 smooth columns and 36 similar to the external ones. There are 108 doors, several arches, and it is painted in green and white. Due to its appearance, it came to be known as the "Parthenon of Tolima." In 1996, it was declared a cultural heritage site of national interest. Inside, it may be a bit disheveled and occasionally even dirty, but despite that, it remains culturally, historically, and architecturally fascinating.