Religious tourism in Colombia. Sacred and unique places

Colombia has a long Catholic tradition and heritage; heritage that is evident in the many Catholic churches that are scattered throughout the country, and that today are attractive for believers and non-believers who come to these places to see for themselves the majestic works of art that are these same places and which are a reference for religious tourism in Colombia.

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So, taking advantage of the fact that Holy Week is coming soon, we have compiled the most important and impressive list of Catholic churches and monuments to make your own route of faith through what has been called religious tourism , and that every day moves and congregates millions of people in many cities around the world.

Religious tourism in Colombia

Basilica Sagrario and San Miguel in Santa Marta

Heading the places of pilgrimage in Colombia in this religious tourism is the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta Sagrario and San Miguel , located in the capital of Magdalena. This church deserves this place simply because it is the first church built on the entire South American continent, therefore, we consider it fair to start where religion entered Colombia and the entire continent.

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Mompox

This beautiful municipality of the Peoples Heritage of Colombia is in itself a perfect place for religious tourism ; its many small and beautiful churches distributed throughout the Historic Center of Mompox are places where you can breathe and feel in the air the constant connection with the sacred.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Chiquinquirá

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary located in the municipality of Chiquinquirá in the department of Boyacá is another reference of religious tourism in Colombia . The first foundations of the temple were made in the seventeenth century are an architectural jewel and is a must-visit destination because it is the home of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá.

Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá , also in the department of Cundinamarca, is not only an unmissable destination for religious tourism , but it is a true jewel that dazzles and overwhelms because of the characteristics and the place where it was built. Not only is it a religious destination but it is also considered an environmental and cultural heritage of the country and one of the seven wonders of Colombia.

Basilica of the Lord of Miracles in Buga

We are heading now to the Pacific to continue on our religious tourism route in Colombia and we arrive at Guadalajara de Buga where one of the most visited temples in Colombia is located; the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles in the Valle del Cauca. Here millions of visitors bring their prayers and petitions to the miraculous of Buga year after year.

Popayán

The city of Popayán , could not be left out of this list, much less can not be visited, as well as being one of the oldest cities in Colombia , has a beautiful Historic Center painted completely white that recalls the purity of these sacred place,  just like Mompox. Now, if you really want to live and experience religious tourism, this is the right place, since Holy Week in Popayán is one of the expressions protected by Unesco in its list of intangible heritage of humanity , making the city one of the more important religious tourism destinations in the country.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas in Ipiales

And to close the list of the best places to experience religious tourism in Colombia , we find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas in the municipality of Ipiales in the department of Nariño. Its great architectural beauty, its historical value and its importance for the Catholic religion inColombia, make it a place that must be visited regardless your beliefs.

If you want to discover more of this beautiful country, we invite you not to get any of our Colombian travel guides entering here .