Religious Tourism Closer to Heaven! Discover the Spectacular Gothic Churches of Bogotá and Cundinamarca
Make the most of your trip to Bogotá by visiting temples that are true masterpieces of architecture and religious art. Then, venture beyond the city to discover the Gothic history that has shaped the country.
When the city slows down and Holy Week appears on the horizon, Bogotá seems to raise its gaze. Between the chill rolling down from the hills and the echo of bells that reverberate through the historic center, a silent invitation emerges: to look up. Not only at the sky, but also at those pointed towers, luminous stained-glass windows, and arches that seem to want to touch the divine. Here, Gothic architecture—reinterpreted, adapted, reinvented—has left a deep mark that today extends beyond the capital, embracing Cundinamarca as well.
Bogotá is a city of contrasts: the modern coexists with the historic, brick with glass, movement with contemplation. Nowhere is this dialogue felt more deeply than in its churches. Although they may not follow the strict canons of 12th-century European Gothic, the capital and its surrounding region are home to true Neo-Gothic wonders that have shaped the religious, cultural, and architectural history of the territory. If you visit Bogotá during Holy Week, exploring these temples is a way to understand the city from another angle: more deliberate, more profound, and closer to heaven.
Bogotá: Spires that Trace Faith on the Horizon
If you are a lover of architecture and history or simply looking for a corner of peace and beauty, here are five churches that not only defy time with their majesty but will also make you feel closer to heaven.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel: A Gothic Icon with a Mudejar Soul
Located in the heart of La Candelaria, this church is one of the most emblematic religious buildings in the city. Its architecture is inspired by the Italian Sienese Gothic style, with notable Arab influences, creating a visual spectacle. The church's white and red-striped facade evokes a labyrinth of stories and faith, making it truly unique. Inside, stained glass windows imported from Spain filter light to create an almost celestial atmosphere.
Our Lady of Lourdes: A Symbol of Chapinero
Built in 1875, this church stands as a true landmark of neo-Gothic architecture in Colombia. Its square tower dominates Chapinero’s main square and polychrome stained-glass windows, crafted by German master Walter Wolf Wasserhouen, depict stories of faith through vibrant colors. At its marble high altar rests the image of Our Lady of Lourdes, crowned in 1988. It is not just a church; it is a landmark of the city.
Our Lady of Chiquinquirá: A Tribute to Late Gothic
Located at Carrera 13 and Calle 51 in the heart of Chapinero, this church stands as a monument to devotion and architecture. It was built between 1919 and 1950, showcasing a design rooted in the late Gothic style, characterized by its imposing ornaments and a structure made of brick and limestone. One of its greatest attractions is its rose window, which displays the image of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá accompanied by Saint Andrew and Saint Anthony of Padua.
Our Lady of the Angels: A Hidden Gem in La Porciúncula
It is one of Bogotá's best-kept secrets. Its neo-Gothic design, with pointed arches and stone reliefs, makes it a true work of art. Built in the early 20th century, it has remained a haven of tranquility in the middle of the city. The serene atmosphere inside is an ideal destination for those seeking a place for prayer during Holy Week or wishing to appreciate the beauty of its architecture.
Our Lady of the Snows: Where Gothic meets Byzantine
With roots dating back to 1518, this temple was rebuilt after the 1917 earthquake. Its blend of Gothic and Byzantine elements gives it a distinctive character: side stained-glass windows, spiral columns, and a finely carved wooden pulpit of remarkable detail. Many of the faithful venerate here the image of the Holy Family, which is considered miraculous.
Cundinamarca: Gothic Just a Step Away from Bogotá
Leaving the city doesn’t mean leaving history behind. Less than an hour —or a little more— from Bogotá, Cundinamarca holds temples that extend this architectural and spiritual journey.
Church of Our Lady of Fatima — Tocancipá
About 40 minutes from Bogotá and built by the Heralds of the Gospel (Caballeros de la Virgen), this polychrome Neo-Gothic sanctuary rises above the Bogotá savanna like a European cathedral in Colombian lands. Its white, gray, and cream tones, pointed arches, and monumental stained-glass windows create an atmosphere of deep spirituality. As part of the Holy Year, it is also a pilgrimage site where many faithful seek inner renewal.
Minor Basilica of the Holy Christ — Ubaté
Imposing and solemn, this basilica of French neo-Gothic inspiration dominates the landscape of Ubaté. Built between 1921 and 1939, its monumental scale and detailed ornamentation make it one of the most beautiful temples in the region. During Holy Week, its interior resonates with chants and rituals that connect tradition and faith. Don’t miss the chance to visit this basilica; though it is an hour and twenty minutes from the city, it truly reflects the history of our country.
San Jacinto Church — Guasca
Nestled among green mountains and misty roads, about an hour from Bogotá, San Jacinto Church in Guasca rises with a serene and elegant presence. Its Gothic-inspired architectural style, with pointed arches and a verticality that seems to dialogue with the sky, makes it a spiritual landmark of the town. Here, the architecture does not compete with the landscape; it accompanies it, making the visit an experience that is as aesthetic as it is contemplative.
Francis de Sales Parish — San Francisco
In this town surrounded by nature and located about an hour and twenty minutes from the capital, the St. Francis of Sales Parish stands out among the region's religious tourist routes. Its Gothic-inspired architecture, sober lines, and mountainous surroundings create an atmosphere of rare tranquility. It is not just a church: it is a meeting point between faith, landscape, and tradition, ideal for those seeking a more intimate and peaceful spiritual experience.
One Sky, Many Paths of Faith
You don't need to travel far from Bogotá to feel the legacy of Gothic architecture. It's enough to walk through the city center, visit Chapinero, or take a short drive to Tocancipá, Ubaté, or Facatativá to discover temples that lift your gaze and connect you with the spiritual. During Holy Week, these churches take on a special significance amid processions, sacred music, and shared silence, making Bogotá and Cundinamarca feel like a single territory of faith and memory.
To learn more about the Holy Week program and other tourist attractions in the city, visit www.visitbogota.co.
