Salt Cathedral on Postcard

"The Salt Cathedral About an hour north of Bogotá lies the so-called Salt Cathedral, an intriguing and impressive church that has been sculpted from the empty chambers of a working salt mine, one that’s been in operation since pre-Hispanic times. Beginning in the 20th century, miners began to decorate shafts with icons and saints from whom they sought protection. By 1954, a full-fledged cathedral had been carved into the rock and inaugurated; it has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. When a previous sanctuary became unstable, the current chapel was carved almost 200 feet deeper down and opened in 1995, complete with eerie lighting and beautiful sculptures. A visit is a moving experience even for nonbelievers. By Travesías"

Essential Guide to Bogotá

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"The Salt Cathedral About an hour north of Bogotá lies the so-called Salt Cathedral, an intriguing and impressive church that has been sculpted from the empty chambers of a working salt mine, one that’s been in operation since pre-Hispanic times. Beginning in the 20th century, miners began to decorate shafts with icons and saints from whom they sought protection. By 1954, a full-fledged cathedral had been carved into the rock and inaugurated; it has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. When a previous sanctuary became unstable, the current chapel was carved almost 200 feet deeper down and opened in 1995, complete with eerie lighting and beautiful sculptures. A visit is a moving experience even for nonbelievers. By Travesías"

The Perfect Week in Colombia

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@afar

"The Salt Cathedral About an hour north of Bogotá lies the so-called Salt Cathedral, an intriguing and impressive church that has been sculpted from the empty chambers of a working salt mine, one that’s been in operation since pre-Hispanic times. Beginning in the 20th century, miners began to decorate shafts with icons and saints from whom they sought protection. By 1954, a full-fledged cathedral had been carved into the rock and inaugurated; it has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. When a previous sanctuary became unstable, the current chapel was carved almost 200 feet deeper down and opened in 1995, complete with eerie lighting and beautiful sculptures. A visit is a moving experience even for nonbelievers. By Travesías"

The Best Things to Do in Colombia

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Greg Johnston

Google

We visited the Salt Cathedral after taking a bus from Bogota. The cost for us as seniors was 212 pesos. that included an audio guide. The first part of the Cathedral the lighting low so it is hard to appreciate the craftsmanship. But when you get into the main halls and cathedral it becomes easier as there is more light. We would recommend visiting. It is a whole day adventure from Bogota taking the bus (12hrs). 3btraveler

Gustavo Espinoza Jr

Google

This was an interesting place to visit not far from the city of Bogota. The salt cathedral at Zipaquirá is one of the more unique attractions I have seen while in the country and for good reason; there is no other place like it in the world. To enter, you have to buy tickets which come in three separate packages. All of them include entry into the cathedral but the more expensive ones offer entry into museums and even rock climbing. After buying tickets, you wait at the entrance with everyone else and when enough people have amassed, you are taken into the cathedral. Be advised that the group gets very big for the tour. We had trouble listening to the tour guide because he was all the way up front and we were at the back of the crowd. It was very obnoxious at times because people make a lot of noise while the tour guide is speaking which makes it difficult to hear. Also there are large amounts of people all attempting to take photos at the same time and at the same places which makes it very difficult to get a photo. After a while we got tired of the tour and went ahead which was a lot better. There were not that many people as we walked further into the cathedral making it easier to see things and explore. The cathedral is massive and there is so much to see inside. It is all very impressive and there is great history behind it that is worth learning about. A small theater inside the mine provides a good history lesson on the mine and its inhabitants before it became a cathedral. There is also a number of shops down here ranging from gift shops to snack bars and even jewelry stores.

Jonathan Uribe

Google

Amazing place with so much to do inside! It’s a beautiful place to bring your family (and your dog! they are allowed inside). My wife and kid had a great time getting to see the salt mine and the cathedral built inside. There were a few expositions we really enjoyed also that showcased Egyptian pharaohs, local Colombian artists, and plenty of vendors inside. We enjoyed some coffee and ice cream during our 3 hour walk inside. We recommend getting the middle package that includes the city tour - it was pretty fun.

Stelios Fellahidis

Google

It is unimaginable what they have built in this place many years ago. They deserve a lot of congratulations to everyone. The place is very well maintained. They have also built like a small town inside the mountain with various shops for coffee or souvenirs. It is one of the main Bogotá attractions.

Travel Lover

Google

Wow! This place is worth a stop.... highly recommend going. Parking is really easy . They have two major lots. I would get your tickets online to skip the lines that can be rather long. There is lots to eat and drink inside to include am awesome bar!

Kevin Ka L Ngan

Google

Must See if you visit Bogota! My first time visiting Colombia 🇨🇴and this place is definitely made it to the top tourist attraction that I have ever been in my life. It's absolutely a beautiful natural wonder! We got the tickets and waited in line for quite a while to get in. I don't understand Spanish so I got a English translator which helps me through the whole tour! We walked the 12 staions of the cross, each steps we are going depler underground and all the arts are spiritually inspiring! I know more about the Catholic background of Colombia and how this underground church is built! Then we are very lucky the attend the mass on Sunday and it was such an emotional experience! Knowing and feeling the historical presence of Jesus has definitely made my faith stronger! The mass is beautiful and the church is built so elegantly! This place also has much to offer besides the Catholic elements! Like the Egyptian museum, the gorgeous view of the city, the train ride, they all added fun to this place! A picture speaks a thousand words! Check these out and I did not regret walking 30000 steps to finish the whole trip!

Geoffrey Bishop

Google

This is a must see destination when visiting Bogota. It's about 60-90 minutes to get there by cab/driver depending on traffic. It's well worth the drive. The Salt Cathedral is an old mine that has been transformed into an underground church that can hold up to 8000 people. There are several sanctuaries and then a large one. There's a bit of a light and video presentation in the large sanctuary. Still many remnants of salt around. There's is also an abundance of shops and cafes in the church area which we did not expect. There was a large school group when we visited so we had to wait to enter. We bought our tickets in advance so we did not have to wait in line when arriving.

Cristina Kelly

Google

Amazing mine to visit. Highly recommend you take a day to enjoy all the Salt Cathedral has to offer. There are shops and eatery to enjoy. There are also short 3D theatre show, light show, as well as, a quaint train ride back to the parking lot at the end of your day. A definite must see while in Zipaquirá, Colombia. 🇨🇴

Greg Johnston

Google

We visited the Salt Cathedral after taking a bus from Bogota. The cost for us as seniors was 212 pesos. that included an audio guide. The first part of the Cathedral the lighting low so it is hard to appreciate the craftsmanship. But when you get into the main halls and cathedral it becomes easier as there is more light. We would recommend visiting. It is a whole day adventure from Bogota taking the bus (12hrs). 3btraveler

Gustavo Espinoza Jr

Google

This was an interesting place to visit not far from the city of Bogota. The salt cathedral at Zipaquirá is one of the more unique attractions I have seen while in the country and for good reason; there is no other place like it in the world. To enter, you have to buy tickets which come in three separate packages. All of them include entry into the cathedral but the more expensive ones offer entry into museums and even rock climbing. After buying tickets, you wait at the entrance with everyone else and when enough people have amassed, you are taken into the cathedral. Be advised that the group gets very big for the tour. We had trouble listening to the tour guide because he was all the way up front and we were at the back of the crowd. It was very obnoxious at times because people make a lot of noise while the tour guide is speaking which makes it difficult to hear. Also there are large amounts of people all attempting to take photos at the same time and at the same places which makes it very difficult to get a photo. After a while we got tired of the tour and went ahead which was a lot better. There were not that many people as we walked further into the cathedral making it easier to see things and explore. The cathedral is massive and there is so much to see inside. It is all very impressive and there is great history behind it that is worth learning about. A small theater inside the mine provides a good history lesson on the mine and its inhabitants before it became a cathedral. There is also a number of shops down here ranging from gift shops to snack bars and even jewelry stores.

Jonathan Uribe

Google

Amazing place with so much to do inside! It’s a beautiful place to bring your family (and your dog! they are allowed inside). My wife and kid had a great time getting to see the salt mine and the cathedral built inside. There were a few expositions we really enjoyed also that showcased Egyptian pharaohs, local Colombian artists, and plenty of vendors inside. We enjoyed some coffee and ice cream during our 3 hour walk inside. We recommend getting the middle package that includes the city tour - it was pretty fun.

Stelios Fellahidis

Google

It is unimaginable what they have built in this place many years ago. They deserve a lot of congratulations to everyone. The place is very well maintained. They have also built like a small town inside the mountain with various shops for coffee or souvenirs. It is one of the main Bogotá attractions.

Travel Lover

Google

Wow! This place is worth a stop.... highly recommend going. Parking is really easy . They have two major lots. I would get your tickets online to skip the lines that can be rather long. There is lots to eat and drink inside to include am awesome bar!

Kevin Ka L Ngan

Google

Must See if you visit Bogota! My first time visiting Colombia 🇨🇴and this place is definitely made it to the top tourist attraction that I have ever been in my life. It's absolutely a beautiful natural wonder! We got the tickets and waited in line for quite a while to get in. I don't understand Spanish so I got a English translator which helps me through the whole tour! We walked the 12 staions of the cross, each steps we are going depler underground and all the arts are spiritually inspiring! I know more about the Catholic background of Colombia and how this underground church is built! Then we are very lucky the attend the mass on Sunday and it was such an emotional experience! Knowing and feeling the historical presence of Jesus has definitely made my faith stronger! The mass is beautiful and the church is built so elegantly! This place also has much to offer besides the Catholic elements! Like the Egyptian museum, the gorgeous view of the city, the train ride, they all added fun to this place! A picture speaks a thousand words! Check these out and I did not regret walking 30000 steps to finish the whole trip!

Geoffrey Bishop

Google

This is a must see destination when visiting Bogota. It's about 60-90 minutes to get there by cab/driver depending on traffic. It's well worth the drive. The Salt Cathedral is an old mine that has been transformed into an underground church that can hold up to 8000 people. There are several sanctuaries and then a large one. There's a bit of a light and video presentation in the large sanctuary. Still many remnants of salt around. There's is also an abundance of shops and cafes in the church area which we did not expect. There was a large school group when we visited so we had to wait to enter. We bought our tickets in advance so we did not have to wait in line when arriving.

Cristina Kelly

Google

Amazing mine to visit. Highly recommend you take a day to enjoy all the Salt Cathedral has to offer. There are shops and eatery to enjoy. There are also short 3D theatre show, light show, as well as, a quaint train ride back to the parking lot at the end of your day. A definite must see while in Zipaquirá, Colombia. 🇨🇴

Salt Cathedral

Salt Cathedral

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Highlights

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