The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, Colombia

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá or La Catedral del Sal is one of Colombia’s can’t miss destinations. A Church built within the underground tunnels of a salt mine, more than 200 meters underground.  Sound interesting?!  It definitely is, and it’s one of the most unusual places I’ve ever been.

The Salt Cathedral is located in the charming town of Zipaquirá, just about 30 miles north of Bogota. But the hour ride means you can explore this incredible church and still explore Bogotá after.

This is not a big church made from table salt; It’s nothing like a sandcastle…. although that would be cool…The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a religious and touristic space that is built right into the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground in the side of a mountain. Miners initially created this place as a sanctuary for themselves to pray in, and in the 1950s it was expanded to hold a massive cathedral and walkways. Updated again in the 90s, it can now hold about 3,000 people during Sunday services. (yes they do have services in the Salt Cathedral!)

Colombians consider the Cathedral to be their own “Wonder of the World,” & to this day, it remains an important pilgrimage site for many Catholics. Fun fact: if you lick any of the walls in the Cathedral, you’ll find that it’s ALL made of salt! Also, the salt deposits of the Mountains date back 200 million years… from almost the Jurassic era!

The mines are absolutely breathtaking. Visitors wander through the dark pathways which are accented by neon lighting, making it somewhat eerie. The attraction isn’t just one big sanctuary underground. The cathedral is broken up into 14 small chapels connected by tunnels. Each chapel represents the stations of the cross, or Jesus Christ’s last journey before crucifixion. There are spots to kneel and pray at each station, but most people just admire each little chapel and keep moving.

Without a doubt, the main highlight is the massive domed cathedral. It is tricked out with ever-changing lights, which are focused on a huge cross. There is also a sculpture that draws inspiration from Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam painting, which is found in the Sistine Chapel.

Other can’t-miss spots include a beautiful nativity scene called the Holy Family sculpture and what’s called the Water Mirror. It looks like nothing more than a hole in the ground, but don’t be fooled—it’s actually a DEAD STILL lake! Absolutely amazing! Throw a little pebble into it, and watch as the water ripples away.

PRACTICALITIES:

Cost: Ticket prices range depending on how many of the attractions you want to see, but start at around $15 per adult. That includes admission to the cathedral and a ticket to watch the movie. Guided tours of the salt cathedral are also available.

Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday mass is held at 1 p.m.

How to get there: The easiest way is to drive from Bogota (it takes about one hour), but you can also get there by bus. Click here for more information.

Top tip: Avoid the cathedral on the weekend, when it can be packed with visitors. If you go during the week you’ll likely encounter a couple of school groups, but will otherwise get to enjoy the place in relative peace and quiet.

Fun fact: If you’re looking for a totally unique place to get hitched, the salt cathedral hosts weddings!

Even though the Salt Cathedral is a Catholic space, it doesn’t mean non-secular people or folks practicing other religions won’t enjoy this destination. Sure, you won’t be kneeling and praying at each station, but the attraction will still delight anyone interested in history, culture or just licking salty walls.