Colombia’s history can be found in its colourful buildings and vibrant culture, making this country an excellent place for exploring its past. There are numerous ideal spots you should visit if you want to know more.
Lost City or Ciudad Perdida, is one of the country’s premier archaeological sites, while Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira features an underground system used by mining workers as a place of worship.
Cerro Azul
One of the most impressive landmarks in Colombia are the Cerro Azul Cave Paintings. Constructed during pre-Columbian times from red mineral pigment ocher, these incredible paintings depict animals, plants and people that lived in Serrania de la Lindos Mountains during the Ice Age – believed to date back 12,500 years!
These ancient rock art sites can be found at Simirlary Archeological Park of Tierradentro, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, this park houses one of the highest concentrations of pre-Columbian monumental shaft tombs.
Monserrate, an iconic landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bogota, provides stunning panoramic views from above. Take a tour to scale its heights for amazing vantage points – don’t forget there is also an awe-inspiring church on top!
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
On the Hill of San Lazaro, this castle was constructed by Spanish during colonial era Spain to defend against attacks from both land and sea. Constructed initially in 1536 and expanded later that same year.
Due to its impressive size and strategic positioning, this castle was one of the most impregnable fortresses in North America. Despite attempts and battles waged against it, its fortress never succumbed.
One notable attempt was made by British Admiral Edward Vernon in 1741; however, his much larger army and ships were unable to breach its defenses, which featured multiple fields of fire designed into their design. Today, Cartagena’s Castillo San Felipe de Barajas remains one of the city’s premier attractions.
The Walled City of Cartagena
Cartagena’s stunning beauty conveys its colonial past and legacy with pride; yet its wealth was built on three unsavory foundations: theft of native peoples’ gold; importation of African slaves as slave laborers; and Spanish Inquisition cruelty.
An exploration through Colombian history unfolds during a guided city tour led by Rocha. She leads them to Saint Peter Claver Sanctuary – an impressive Jesuit priest who helped African slaves and gave them personal dignity; his work earned him patron saint status among slaves, seafarers and the Republic of Colombia itself.
Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), once serving as the main gate into a walled city and housing gun rooms and chapels. It was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1984; today, its modern clock from Switzerland can be seen. Come sundown, visitors gather here for street food (try their delicious kebabs!) and homemade Colombian sweets!
Las Lajas Sanctuary
Las Lajas Sanctuary, situated in Narino Department near Ecuador border, is one of Colombia’s most iconic landmarks. Built on an arched bridge over a river gorge, this church also functions as minor basilica.
Legend recounts how in 1754 an indigenous woman and her deaf-mute daughter found shelter from a violent storm by taking shelter among large slabs of lajas shale from a local quarry. When lightning illuminated their surroundings, she saw an image of Mary on one of the rocks nearby.
This neo-Gothic church was constructed between 1916 and 1949. Due to its location and many miracles connected with it, pilgrims and tourists have long frequented this spot.
Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
Visits to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral are one of the most beloved day trips from Bogota. Not only is its underground salt cathedral an impressive sight, but its history adds even greater intrigue.
Miners first used this cavern as a place of prayer, asking Mary for protection from toxic fumes and explosions. Later, however, they decided to turn it into a church and the Colombian Salt Cathedral was born.
Today, the cathedral serves as a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics and is one of the country’s most iconic architectural feats. Some notable features of the cathedral include a giant cross that lights up in various ways and an intricate sculpture inspired by Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam painting in Sistine Chapel; also, don’t miss Water Mirror: its still surface transforms when you drop something into it, creating ripples across its surface!
