The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a unique Catholic temple excavated inside a salt mine, 180 meters underground in the Zipa hill, at about 2,652 meters above sea level, just an hour from Bogotá. In 2007 it was named the “First Wonder of Colombia” through a national contest.
Inaugurated in 1995 as a reconstruction of an old cathedral from 1954 that was closed due to instability, this new engineering work shaped the current cathedral.
The mines already had a tradition of religious sanctuary made by the miners before the inauguration of the Cathedral in 1954, which was dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, who in Catholic religiosity is the Patron Saint of Miners.
It has been recognized by Google among the most impressive places of worship in the world, often ranking second after competing with sites such as the Sistine Chapel or Notre-Dame.
The Salt Cathedral was designed by the architect Roswell Garavito Pearl and built under the technical direction of the engineer Jorge Enrique Castelblanco. This underground church becomes a true modern architectural jewel. It consists of three naves that represent the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, adorned by salt sculptures and marble, including a 16m high cross illuminated from below.
The salt deposits of the Zipaquirá mountains are dated to 200 million years old, elevated above the surface in the late Tertiary period 30 million years ago and concentrated in the place where they are found today.
The Underground Way of the Cross
The Via Crucis comprises 14 stations carved in salt inside a 400 m tunnel, a symbolic dome, water mirrors and recently inaugurated in 2023, the first Underground Monumental Museum with sculptures by artists from 22 countries.
This spiritual journey, approximately 386 meters long, recreates the most important moments of Jesus Christ’s path to crucifixion.
Each station is symbolically represented, without human figures, allowing the visitor to connect introspectively with the message of each scene. The setting, the dim lighting, and the solemnity of the space transform this experience into a journey of reflection and contemplation, both for believers and for tourists interested in art and religious culture.
Record Tourism: Figures and Experiences
This underground sanctuary has exceeded its own expectations in tourist influx. In 2024, it received more than 700,000 visitors, setting a historical record. In that same year, a total of 705,045 visitors were reported. Furthermore, during Holy Week of 2023, it attracted 41,139 people, a figure higher than the previous year.
Rates
There are three plans that include different activities within the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá:
What’s fun to do inside the mine in the salt cathedral?
1. 3D Mapping and Light Show
One of the favorite shows is the video mapping, an audiovisual projection on the main nave’s large central cross, combining lights, surround sound, and history. It’s an immersive experience that transforms the temple into a stunning visual show.
2. 3D Short Film “Nucuma”
A 3D cinematic experience that tells the geological history of the mine, its transformation into a temple, and its symbolic value. Ideal for children and those who want to learn while playing.
3. Miner’s Route (adventure type activity)
It’s a “mining reality” type tour where you put on a helmet, flashlight, and boots to simulate the work of a miner inside darker galleries. You learn how salt is extracted and experience a unique and safe exploration.
4. Underground climbing wall
Within the complex, a climbing wall with complete safety measures has been installed. It is ideal for young people and adults looking for some physical action within the mine.
5. Underground Departure Train
For those who do not wish to walk the entire way back, the exit train offers a fun and relaxed way to leave the cathedral while enjoying tunnels and lights.
6. Underground Monumental Museum 180
Inaugurated in 2023, this art museum exhibits monumental salt sculptures made by artists from more than 22 countries. It is a surprising and photogenic cultural walk.
7. Outdoor ecological trail
After the underground tour, you can relax in an outdoor space surrounded by vegetation, ideal for walking, taking photos, and breathing fresh air.
8. Shopping and Souvenir Area
Before leaving, you can visit shops with handicrafts, salt jewelry, typical Colombian sweets, t-shirts, rosaries and much more.
