Santa Bárbara de Usaquén Parish

Santa Bárbara de Usaquén Parish

The Santa Bárbara de Usaquén Parish Church and the Foundational Square were the epicenter of the town's founding during the Colonial era. The Parish, located to the northeast of Bogotá, was founded in 1665 in an indigenous context, becoming the central axis of the evangelization and cultural development of the area inhabited by the Muisca people of Usaquén.

Although its precise location is unknown, it is presumed that the current temple occupies the same site where it was originally erected, or became a parish after 1759, with the abolition of the indigenous reservations. Upon the arrival of the Spanish settlers, this community was displaced to Soacha while the colonists created the foundational settlement around the central square, where the parish church was erected.

Initially administered by Dominican friars during the first two centuries, the Archdiocese of Bogotá granted its administration to the Eudist Fathers more than a century ago, who have since then accompanied the parishioners of this architectural jewel of Bogotá with more than 350 years of history. 

Throughout its three centuries of history, this church has undergone numerous interventions and renovations, mainly in its roof structure, floors, windows and interior niches, giving shape to the emblematic temple seen today in the heart of the Usaquén district.