- Address: Cra. 7 # 11-10, Bogotá, Colombia
- Phone: +5713411954
- Website: catedraldebogota.org
- Opening: 1823
- Architectural style: neoclassical architecture
- Denomination: Catholic Church
- Burials: Jimenez de Quesada, Gonzalo
- Opening hours: 09: 00-17: 00 Tues-Sun
In the old part of the Colombian capital in Bolivar Square is the neoclassical cathedral of Bogota. It was built on the site where in 1538, in honor of the founding of the city, the Catholic Mass was first held.
In the old part of the Colombian capital in Bolivar Square is the neoclassical cathedral of Bogota. It was built on the site where in 1538, in honor of the founding of the city, the Catholic Mass was first held. This basilica is one of the main attractions of Colombia , so its visit should be included in your trip throughout the country.
The history of the cathedral of Bogota
The founder of this church is the missionary Fry Domingo de las Casas, who served August 6, 1538, the first Mass in Bogota . Then on this place stood a modest chapel with a thatched roof. After that, it was decided to build a new Catholic cathedral. The authors of the project are Baltasar Diaz and Pedro Vazquez, who won the competition and built the Bogota Cathedral on a budget of 1,000 pesos. According to other sources, at least 6,000 pesos were spent on construction in total.
The basilica was opened in 1678. Then it was a structure with a main chapel, arches and three naves. In 1875 an earthquake occurred in the city, and in 1805 the church was partially demolished. The last reconstruction of the cathedral in Bogota was conducted in 1968 in connection with the visit of Pope Paul VI.
Architectural style of the Cathedral of Bogota
For the construction and decoration of the church was chosen Neo-Gothic style. With an area of 5300 square meters. The cathedral of Bogota consists of the following parts:
- the central nave;
- two lateral naves of the same height;
- the two main chapels;
- the main altar;
- eight chapels in the southern aisle;
- eight chapels in the northern passage;
- two sacristies.
Most of the naves are painted white, and their vaults are decorated with floral motifs. The roof is divided into two parts:
- The first consists of eight pilots of the Corinthian order, rising to the architrave, the frieze and the eaves;
- The second part is presented in a different order, but also has eight pilasters.
The three entrances to the Cathedral of Bogota are sculpted by Juan de Cabreroy - San Pedro, San Pablo and a statue of the Immaculate Conception with two angels on both sides. The main door was made in the XVI century. Its height is more than 7 m, during which it is decorated with pilasters in the form of corrugated columns. Here you can see a variety of hammers, studs and bolts of bronze and Spanish cast iron.
Each chapel of the cathedral of Bogota has its name. So, here you can visit the sanctuary:
- San Juan Nepomucheno;
- San Jose;
- The Virgin of Carmen;
- San Pedro;
- Virgen de El Topo;
- The Sacred Heart of Jesus;
- The Immaculate Conception;
- Virgen del Perpetuo Socorro;
- St. Elizabeth of Hungary and others.
Unlike most Catholic churches, Bogota's Cathedral features a modest decoration and minimal decor. It is known for the fact that the remains of the founder of the city lie here, which are in the right lateral nave in the largest chapel.
How to get to the Bogota Cathedral?
This Neo-Gothic basilica is located in the heart of the Colombian capital - Bolivar Square. From the center of Bogotá to the cathedral, you can take a bus "transmilenio". To do this, stop at Corferia B - 1 o 5 and take the G43 route, which runs every 15 minutes. It will take you to your destination in 30 minutes.
Tourists traveling to Bogota by car to get to the cathedral, you need to move along the subway and Subway NQS. Following them in a southerly direction, you can be next to the basilica in 30-40 minutes.