Faith and History Route in downtown Bogotá

Primatial Cathedral of Colombia
📍 Address: Carrera 7 # 10-80, La Candelaria, Bogotá  
📅 Construction: 1807 - 1823  
🎨 Architectural Style: Neoclassical  

🔹 Description:
The Primatial Cathedral of Colombia is the most significant church in the country and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Bogotá. Its impressive neoclassical structure rises above Bolívar Square, showcasing an austere yet majestic façade that embodies the characteristic sobriety of this architectural style.  

🔹 Historical and artistic interest:
This historic church is the fourth to be built on the same site since Bogotá's founding in 1538. It holds great significance as the resting place of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the city's founder. The main altar showcases remarkable works of sacred art, while its spacious lateral naves preserve valuable colonial paintings and religious sculptures.  

🔹 Interest in the Catholic faith:
As a gathering place for major national liturgical celebrations, the cathedral represents the spiritual heart of the country, where significant religious events have taken place.  

 Our Lady of La Peña Sanctuary
📍 Address: Calle 8 # 1-21 Este, La Candelaria, Bogotá  
📅 Construction: 17th century 
🎨 Architectural Style: Colonial  

🔹 Description:
Located in the Eastern Hill of Bogotá, it is one of the oldest temples in the city and has a deep-rooted tradition of devotion to the Virgin Mary.  

🔹 Historical and artistic interest:
The stone carving of the Virgin of La Peña has been revered for centuries. Its original construction was commissioned by the president of the Royal Audience in the 17th century.  

🔹Interest in the Catholic faith:
For generations, the Virgin of La Peña has been regarded as the protector of travelers and the sick.  

St. Francis Church: 
📍 Address: Avenida Jiménez # 7-10 
📅 Construction: 16th century
🎨 Architectural Style: Colonial  

🔹 Description:
Located in the Veracruz neighborhood, at Avenida Jimenez and Carrera Séptima, forming a complex that also includes the Church of La Tercera and the Church of La Veracruz.

🔹 Historical and artistic interest:
This building features one of the finest Mudejar coffered ceilings in the New Granada. Its altarpiece, which incorporates Renaissance elements, is the most representative of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The church is renowned for its grand main altar and the beauty of its interior. Notable highlights include the Chapel of the Camarín de la Virgen Apocalíptica, which is adorned with mirrors, porcelain, cornucopias, and large paintings. Particularly moving are the depictions of Christ, such as the Fallen Christ by Lugo de Albarracín and the Dead Christ by Martínez Montañez.

Our Lady of La Candelaria Church
📍 Address: Carrera 4 con calle 11 
📅 Construction: 17th century  
🎨 Architectural Style: Colonial  

🔹 Description:
A colonial-era temple, it was once part of the former convent of St. Nicholas - Order of Augustinian Recollects, which housed the Colegio Agustiniano de San Nicolás for many years. The building features a three-nave structure (central nave and two lateral ones), and its facade stands out with two imposing towers.

🔹 Historical and artistic interest:Known for its colonial architecture and strong connection to the Virgin of La Candelaria, the patron saint of Bogotá, this church is notable for the beautifully restored coffered ceiling in its central nave, a restoration completed by the La Candelaria Corporation. The interior features several religious scene paintings by the artist Pedro Alcántara Quijano. Above the choir loft, the coffered ceiling remains, once described by art historian Santiago Sebastián as "the most advanced baroque ceiling in Bogotá."

Saint Ignatius Church
📍 Address: Calle 10 # 6-27
📅 Construction: 17th century  
🎨 Architectural Style: Baroque 

🔹 Description:
Founded by the Society of Jesus and dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, this temple stands out for its impressive façade and richly adorned interior.

🔹 Historical and artistic interest:
Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, the church was renamed St. Charles in honor of King Charles III. The construction was overseen by architect and Jesuit priest Juan Bautista Coluccini, who drew inspiration from the Church of Gesù in Rome. Like its Roman counterpart, this temple features a wide central nave flanked by side chapels, a transept, a balcony, and a dome. Its design has also been compared to the Basilica of Sant'Andrea in Italy, reflecting a Renaissance style.