- Address: Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
- Phone: +57 1 8519502
- Website: catedraldesal.gov.co
- Opening: December 1995
- Opening hours: 09: 00-17: 40
- The cost of visiting: $ 10, children under 12 and elderly people after 60 years - $ 7.2
In the central part of Colombia, near Bogotá, there is the unusual salt Cathedral of Sipakira, recognized as the most important landmark of the country . From other Catholic churches, it differs in that it is carved directly in the Galite rock, so its three-quarters wall consists of salt. Despite the unusual surroundings, the church every Sunday held services, which makes it even more attractive for tourists.
The History of the Sipakira Salt Cathedral
The country is known for its salt deposits, which were formed 250 million years ago just when the Andean Cordilleras were formed. Approximately in the V century BC local tribes of Chibcha Indians learned to extract salt. With the arrival of Europeans in South America, the fishery began to develop at an accelerated pace.
Before the Salt Cathedral of Sipakira was created, the inhabitants of Colombia made a sanctuary located in the mine at a depth of 120 m. In 1932 the mine was expanded to the chapel and a prayer altar was created. The first temple was opened in 1954, but was unsafe for visitors, so it was immediately closed. The modern Salt Cathedral of Sipakira became accessible to visitors to Colombia on December 16, 1995.
Structure of the Sipakira Salt Cathedral
Before opening a new Catholic temple, a competition was announced among architects. It was won by Roswell Garavito Pearl, whose project included significant changes in the old cathedral. Now the main elements of the Sipakira salt cathedral in Colombia are:
- 14 small chapels with crosses and kneeling platforms, which are the embodiment of the passions of the Lord;
- a dome located at the end of the main descending entrance ramp;
- three naves, symbolizing the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ.
Right in the walls of the halls are carved four massive cylindrical columns, embodying the Four Gospels. The temple is equipped with an electric generator, through which the lighting system works.
In the largest hall of the Salt Cathedral of Sipakira in Colombia, a 16-meter cross is installed, illuminated with colored lights. In addition, visitors can admire:
- a copy of the Sistine Chapel, on which God gives life to Adam;
- snow-white sculptures of angels;
- bas-reliefs depicting people, trees and animals.
Color illumination effectively emphasizes the sculptures, inscriptions and arches of the salt-brushed Sipakira Cathedral in Colombia. Especially beautiful look massive crosses, which against the background of uneven walls and purple glow look even more majestic.
Tourist information card
After visiting the church, visitors can go to the salt mines. Just be aware that in the air here is a high concentration of salt. Therefore, the Salt Cathedral of Sipakira in Colombia should be attended with caution to people with diseases of the lungs and skin, since this air can slow the healing process. Other tourists during the tour can use a pickaxe to beat off a piece of halite wall for their memory. To the delight of visitors, in caves they also arrange a spectacular pyrotechnic performance.
How do I get to the Sipakira Salt Cathedral?
This unique Catholic church is located 50 km north of Bogotá . From the capital of Colombia to the salt cathedral Sipakira can be reached by car or bus. The first method is the fastest. If you go on the roads Autopista and Cajica-Chia, then the whole journey takes a maximum of 1 hour. To the salt caves themselves there is a small train, the cost of a ticket for which is $ 1.