- Address: Carrera 2 E No. 21-48, Paseo Bolívar, Bogota, Colombia
- The ridge: the Andes, the Eastern Cordillera
- Height above sea level: 3152 m
The symbol of the capital of Colombia is Mount Montserrat (Mount Monserrate). It is the religious center of Bogota , which is visited daily by hundreds of tourists. Here is an old church dedicated to the Black Madonna.
General information about the attractions
The symbol of the capital of Colombia is Mount Montserrat (Mount Monserrate). It is the religious center of Bogota , which is visited daily by hundreds of tourists. Here is an old church dedicated to the Black Madonna.
General information about the attractions
In order to answer the question of where the mountain of Montserrat is, one should look at the map of Bogota. It shows that the ridge is located in the east of the capital, in the department of Cundinamarca. It rises above the city at a distance of more than 500 m, while its peak reaches a mark of 3152 m above sea level (the capital lies at an altitude of 2,640 m).
In the old days, the Montserrat mountain was revered by the Indians, and later the Catholic ministers declared it sacred. It received its name from the colonialists in honor of the revered monastery of the same name, which the Benedictines founded in Catalonia. Here in 1657 the conquistadors decided to build the same temple.
Monastery on Mount Montserrat
During the construction of the basilica Don Pedro Solis was appointed the chief architect. From the XVII century to the present, the temple is the main Catholic shrine of the country.
Monastery of Montserrat is often interested in tourists, asking questions about what pilgrims go there for. The fact is that in the main cathedral of the temple complex is a healing crucifixion. Catholics come to him who want to receive blessing, help in important matters or get rid of their ailments.
What to do on Mount Montserrat?
Around the monastery complex is a picturesque park where you can relax and think about life. There are sculptures depicting the last way of Jesus Christ to Calvary, called Via Dolorosa. The statues were brought here from faraway Florence (Italy), so that pilgrims would understand the issues of being among the green forests of the Andes.
If you want to make a unique photo of the monastery on Mount Montserrat, then go up to the observation deck. It offers a stunning view of the capital of Colombia. Also, you will see a statue of Jesus Christ erected on the rock of Guadalupe.
On Mount Montserrat are:
- souvenir shops;
- Restaurant Casa San Isidro - it serves seafood and national dishes , the building itself is built in a colonial style;
- cafe Santa Clara - it was built more than a century ago, and on the top of the mountain it was brought in parts;
- Wish well, in which tourists throw coins;
- kiosks with light snacks.
Features of visit
Come to the mountain of Montserrat is best on a weekday, as on weekends and holidays there is a large pandemonium. It's best to climb to the top of the cliff early in the morning or at sunset. At this time, you will have more chances to catch clear weather and see stunning scenery. If you plan to spend a few hours here, then take with you:
- drinking water;
- small money (a toilet here is paid);
- small snack.
The monastery is especially beautiful for Christmas. It is decorated with thematic decorations that create the atmosphere of a fairy tale. While visiting the attractions be vigilant and watch your things, also do not forget about a sufficiently high altitude.
How to get there?
To climb Mount Montserrat in several ways:
- On the cable car. It was completely renovated in 2003, its roof and windows are made of transparent material, allowing you to admire the picturesque views.
- On the cable car (teleferico). It has been operating since 1955 and has large panoramic windows. The ticket costs $ 3.5 one way on weekdays and Saturdays, and on Sunday - $ 2.
- On foot. This method is chosen by pilgrims who wish to receive God's mercy for their sufferings. By the way, a comfortable hiking trail with slabs and steps was built here, and the police guard the road.
- By taxi. The fare is $ 2-3.
- To reach the point of recovery from the center of Bogota, you can take buses Nos. 496, C12A, G43, 1, 120C and 12A. Tourists will also get to the car on the road Av. Tv. De Suba and Av. Cdad. de Quito / Av NQS or Cra 68 and Av. El Dorado. The distance is about 15 km.