The False Door · Audio guide
Listen to the story of The False Door
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Story
In the heart of Bogotá, on a corner of the cathedral, there exists a restaurant so old that locals know it by heart. The False Door La Puerta Falsa.
Tamales wrapped in plantain leaves,
steaming ajiaco, fried delicacies that have fed generations. But few know the truth hidden in its walls.
Eighteen sixteen. Josefa Caicedo—a devout woman. She prepares refreshments for the feast at the cathedral, but only for those she chose to serve. The priest said she had no right to decide. She knew she deserved that right.
So she opened her own door. Her husband's name on the papers—because women had no right to property, no right to decide. But she chose where the knife went, what went in the pot, who ate.
It has witnessed the Bogotazo, revolutions, fires in the plaza next door. Politicians, artists, strangers—all crammed into twenty square meters eating ajiaco.
The walls are narrow, the tables worn. But nobody comes for comfort. They come for the food—that same food, that same fire in the kitchen that she started.
Today, no one knows who she was. Her name is gone. But her act of defiance still breathes in every bowl that leaves that kitchen.
Visit La Puerta Falsa in Bogotá. I'll take you there and show you around.
Visiting The False Door
- How to get there
- The closest bus stop is Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango, located 317 meters away.
- Entry and price
- Entry is free.
- Opening hours
- The place is always open.
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of The False Door?
The False Door, originally known as La Chozna, has been a part of Bogota's history for over two hundred years. It played a role during the assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán in 1948, where it helped protect the cathedral's sacred ornaments.
What should I try when visiting The False Door?
Visitors should try the chocolate with cheese, which is a traditional Bogotano treat. The restaurant is also known for its tamales and ajiaco, which have been made with the same recipes for over a century.
What happened to The False Door during the 2002 fire?
In 2002, a fire destroyed photographs and manuscripts detailing the restaurant's history. However, the recipes survived in the memory of Pepita, the ex-wife of one of the owners, who helped preserve them.
What notable events did The False Door survive?
The False Door survived the 1900 fire that consumed the galleries of Arrubla and the palace of Liévano, as well as the 1948 riots following the assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán.
What nearby attractions can I visit?
Nearby attractions include several chapels such as Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores and Capilla de San Juan Nepomuceno, as well as the Catedral Primada de Bogotá, all within a short walking distance.
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