Route of faith and history in the center of Bogotá

The most important points of this route are described below.

Ο Primada Cathedral of Colombia

- Address: Carrera 7 # 10-80, La Candelaria.

▪ Construction: 1807 - 1823

▪ Architectural style: Neoclassical

- Description:

The Primada Cathedral of Colombia is the most important temple in the country and the seat of the Archbishop of Bogotá. Its imposing neoclassical style structure dominates the Plaza de Bolívar, with an austere but majestic façade, reflecting the sobriety characteristic of this style.

▪ Historical and artistic interests:

It is the fourth church built in this same place since the foundation of Bogotá in 1538. It houses the remains of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, founder of the city. Its main altar preserves important works of sacred art, while its large side ships retain valuable colonial paintings and religious sculptures.

"Interest in the Catholic faith:

Meeting point of great national liturgical celebrations.

It represents the spiritual heart of the country, where transcendental religious events have taken place.

Ο Sanctuary Our Lady of the Peña

Address: Calle 8 # 1-21 East, La Candelaria.

▪ Construction: 17th century

▪ Architectural style: Colonial

- Description:

Located in the eastern hills of Bogotá, this sanctuary is one of the oldest temples in the city, with a strong tradition of devotion to the Virgin Mary.

▪ Historical and artistic interests:

His image of the Virgin of the Peña, carved in stone, has been venerated for centuries.

Its original construction was ordered by the then President of the Royal Audience in the 17th century.

"Interest in the Catholic faith:

For generations, the Virgin of Peña has been considered a protector of travellers and sick people.

Ο Church of San Francisco

- Address: Avenida Jiménez # 7-10.

▪ Construction: 16th century

▪ Architectural style: Colonial

- Description:

It is located in the Veracruz district, on Avenida Jiménez with the Seventh Carrera, where it is a whole composed in turn of the Church of La Tercera and the Church of la Veracruz.

▪ Historical and artistic interests:

This building has an artifact or mudejar armor of the best of New Granada. The altarpiece, which has Renaissance elements, is the most representative of the Virenate of New Granada. It is known for its huge major altar and the beauty of its interior. They highlight the chapel of the Camarín de la Virgen Apopalíptica, decorated with mirrors, porcelain and cornucopies, as well as large paintings. The images of Christ, such as that of the fallen Christ, of Lugo de Albarracín, and Christ dead, of Martínez Montañez, are especially moving.

Ο Church of Our Lady of La Candelaria

- Address: Carrera 4 con calle 11.

▪ Construction: 17th century

▪ Architectural style: Colonial

- Description:

Temple of colonial origin, was part of the ancient convent of San Nicolás de los Agustinos Recoletos, where for many years the Agustinian College of San Nicolás worked. The building is composed of three ships, the main or central and two sides, and has two towers on the front facade.

▪ Historical and artistic interests:

Famous for its colonial architecture and its deep relationship with the Virgin of La Candelaria, patron of Bogotá, stands out for its central ship, completely restored by the Corporación La Candelaria. There are several paintings of religious scenes, the work of Pedro Alcántara Quijano. On the sotacoro is still preserved the artisan, which the art historian Santiago Sebastián considered at the time as "the technique of most advanced baroque in Bogotá."

Ο Church of San Ignacio

- Address: Calle 10 # 6-27

▪ Construction: 17th century

▪ Architectural style: Baroque

- Description:

This temple, which is built with an impressive façade and an interior full of ornamental details, was founded by the Society of Jesus under the title of San Ignacio de Loyola.

▪ Historical and artistic interests:

Declared Good of Cultural Interest, the church was renamed San Carlos, in honor of King Charles III. The Jesuit architect and father Juan Bautista Coluccini was in charge of projecting his construction, inspired by the Church of Gesù, in Rome. Like that, this temple features a large central ship with side chapels, cruise, curved balcony and dome. His style has also been related to that of the Basilica of San Andrés de Mantua, in Italy, of a Renaissance cut.

I want to go

The experiences that make part of this route are located in the town of La Candelaria.

The route is available every day and the duration is defined at your pace.