Catedral Primada de Colombia — Attraction in Bogota, Capital District

Bogotá Cathedral—unlike many churches in Latin America—is not a colonial building, as the current church dates back to the 19th century. Designed in the Neoclassical style by Friar Domingo de Petrés, it features clean lines, balanced proportions, and a sense of grandeur that reflects the architectural trends of its time. As such, it boasts beautiful architecture and remarkable artwork, but in a distinct style compared to older churches in the region.

Walking through it, you'll encounter intriguing pieces in the side chapels, each telling a different story. Pay special attention to the chapel behind the main altar, which houses a choir for the canonicos, adding to its ecclesiastical grandeur.

This cathedral is not only the largest in Colombia but also the Primate Cathedral, a title granted by Pope Leo XIII in 1902. Originally, it stood as a humble mud-and-straw chapel, where Bogotá’s first Holy Mass was celebrated on August 6, 1538. Over the centuries, it evolved into its current form, shaped by Friar Domingo de Petrés between 1807 and 1823.

While it doesn't share the same colonial aesthetics as churches like San Francisco, its historical importance, intricate chapels, and artistic treasures make it well worth a visit. Just remember, this is not a typical Latin American colonial church, but rather an architectural gem of...

Beautiful Cathedral of the capital city Bogotá. It is one of the biggest churches in Bogotá that represents the Catholicism of Colombia.

In the exterior it has the typical architecture design of the years 500 with all the little details and the big doors for all the people that wants to enter even if they are religious or not, or they just want to learn about the religion or the building.

Sadly in the interior it has been modernized so much that it doesn't have the typical decoration of the churches of those times, and for the other side it has a flat painting. It could of been better and it could of have more typical details of the old churches as they was.

It still have some decorations of the saints, Jesus and Maria in some points that gives it a good air.

Personally I don't give it more than 3 stars is because you are expecting much more of...

The Cathedral Primada de Colombia in Bogota is without any doubt the most important church building in Colombia. Located centrally in La Candelaria, it looks already very impressive from outside and pretty much dominates the Central Place.

I highly recommend to respectfully explore the cathedral from inside, the rich artwork and architecture of the entire building is...