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Welcome, you are in Marca País
Welcome, you are in Marca País
Guide to Colombia's churches and cathedrals
Visit some of the most emblematic churches in Colombia. Learn about their history, architecture and plans you can make in these places, where faith and culture intertwine to offer you a unique experience.
Colombia, a country rich in history and religious tradition, is home to some of the most impressive churches and cathedrals in Latin America. Each of these monuments stands out for its architectural majesty and the stories and devotion they hold within their walls. In this guide, we invite you to discover some of the most iconic places, where spirituality and art merge in a journey through the country of beauty.
Catedral de Sal, Zipaquirá
Just 50 kilometers from Bogotá and 180 meters underground, lies the impressive Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá, a sanctuary carved in salt considered Colombia's first wonder. This place is a true architectural gem of modernity, standing out for its imposing magnitude, creativity, and ingenuity in its construction. Spanning 8,500 m², the Salt Cathedral is an extraordinary example of how nature and architecture merge in a solemn space that leaves an indelible mark on its visitors. Learn more here about this significant place.
What to do at the Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá? Discover the majesty of a place full of memories, art, and adventure. During your visit, professional guides will share the history and fascinating curiosities of this sacred space. Attractions like the miner's route, climbing wall, cathedral naves, and the monumental 180 museum await to reveal more about this Colombian wonder.
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Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandría, Cartagena
The Catedral de Cartagena de Indias, officially known as the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, is one of the city's most iconic religious structures and an architectural masterpiece. Its construction began in 1575 and was declared a National Monument of Colombia in 1577. Located in the Plaza de la Proclamación, in the heart of the walled city, its imposing dome and stone facades, standing out among the colorful buildings of the historic center, invite exploration of its architecture and historical legacy. The cathedral's design follows the principles of Spanish Renaissance architecture, with clear influences of the Herrerian and Mannerist styles.
What to do at the Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandría? The cathedral is an unmissable destination for those seeking to enjoy colonial art and architecture. Here, you can capture the beautiful nighttime illumination that dominates the cityscape, admire the sundial on the side of the temple, and enjoy the colonial atmosphere while exploring the surroundings of the Simón Bolívar plaza.
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Basílica del Señor de los Milagros, Buga
Located in Guadalajara, Buga, the Basílica del Señor de los Milagros took fifteen years to build and was inaugurated in 1907. Designed by the German Redemptorist Juan Bautista Stiehle, in 1937, Pope Pius XI granted it the title of Minor Basilica, meaning it can display two Catholic Church elements on the main altar: the conopeum and the tintinnabulum. This sacred place is 33 meters high and 80 meters long, featuring a French clock installed on March 18, 1909, and housing the moving image of the Holy Redeemer, a 2.5-meter-tall cast iron figure between two beautiful towers.
What to do at the Basílica del Señor de los Milagros? Buga is a city known for religious tourism in Colombia, and the Basílica del Señor de los Milagros is a major pilgrimage center. Visitors can enjoy masses, prayers, and processions held throughout the year, especially during the Señor de los Milagros festivity, which attracts thousands of pilgrims. The basilica is a place of reflection, faith, and connection, and exploring its interior allows admiration of not only its architecture but also its symbolic and cultural richness.
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Catedral Metropolitana, Medellín
Officially named the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción de María, this majestic structure was built with approximately 1,120,000 solid bricks, each eight cubic decimeters, making it the largest cathedral in Latin America built with baked brick. Besides its great historical value and being one of the country's main architectural works, it was declared a National Monument of Colombia on March 12, 1982, recognizing its cultural and heritage importance. Its imposing size and neoclassical facade make it a reference point in Colombia's religious history.
What to do at the Catedral Metropolitana de Medellín? The Catedral Metropolitana de Medellín is an unmissable destination for lovers of religious and architectural heritage. Besides being a place for traditional masses and prayer, visitors can explore its imposing interior, admire its large naves, side chapels, and artistic details, such as neoclassical frescoes and sculptures.
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Santuario Nuestra Señora del Rosario de las Lajas, Nariño
This beautiful sanctuary houses the image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, imprinted on a slab of stone that, according to history, was found in 1754 by an indigenous woman and her deaf-mute daughter seeking shelter in a cave during a storm. Over 160 years later, in 1916, construction began on the current cathedral, a majestic gray and white stone basilica in Gothic style. Today, the sanctuary is not only a magnificent work of religious architecture but also one of Colombia's most iconic tourist sites, embedded in the mountain range above an abyss over the Guáitara River canyon. In 2015, the Sanctuary's church was chosen as the most beautiful in the world, a recognition by the British newspaper The Telegraph, one of Europe's most prestigious.
What to do at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Lajas? Visiting this place is a unique experience, combining the majesty of its architecture with the stunning natural landscape surrounding it. Among the most notable activities are exploring the suspension bridge, admiring the church from different angles, taking a spiritual tour, and enjoying local cuisine.
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