Step inside the Catedral Primada de Colombia (Primary Cathedral of Colombia) to appreciate its sombre, yet elegant architecture and to see the crypts of some of Colombia’s most prominent historical figures. It is the largest cathedral in Colombia and stands on the site of the first church ever built in Bogotá.
The cathedral has been rebuilt several times: Previous structures were replaced due to weak foundations or earthquake damage. Looking at the neoclassical 19th-century façade, it is hard to believe that in 1538 it was nothing more than a modest thatch-roofed chapel founded by Spanish conquerors.
Admire the cathedral’s location in Plaza de Bolívar, with Monserrate mountain in the background. Enter through the grand doors and note the classical rectangular layout dominated by whitewashed Egyptian columns and a domed ceiling. In contrast to Bogotá’s other churches, such as the elaborate Church of San Francisco, the cathedral’s vast interior is scarcely decorated. When admiring the handful of religious paintings on the walls, look for the ones that date back to the 1600s.
Head over to the cathedral’s chapels. The most notable is the chapel dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, which hosts the tombs of Bogotá founder Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. It also holds the tombs of military leader Antonio Nariño and revered painter Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos.
The Catedral Primada de Colombia stands on the northeastern side of Plaza de Bolívar in the heart of Bogotá’s historic centre. It is easily accessible by foot from other attractions in the picturesque La Candelaria neighbourhood, including the Botero Museum and Casa de la Moneda. Public buses stop close by, and metered parking is available at the Luis Angel Arango Library.
The cathedral is open daily except Mondays. Since the cathedral is still in use, visitors are asked to remain silent and dress respectfully. A small store at the cathedral’s entrance sells spiritual books, religious images and souvenirs. Visit the cathedral’s official website for opening hours and information about events and concerts.
