The Churches of Pamplona

Location:
Pamplona, Colombia

Historical Building

By Lorraine Caputo

Pamplona, renowned for not only its colonial architecture, but also for its Semana Santa and other religious traditions, has a fine selection of churches. Most are open only during mass.

Catedral Santa Clara—Calle 6, between Carreras 5 and 6, Parque Águeda Gallardo—Formerly the chapel of Santa Clara convent, the now-cathedral was built in 1587 by the daughter of one of Pamplona’s co-founders. Check out the angels carved on the apse columns.

Nuestra Señora de las Nieves—Carrera 7 and Calle 5—Parts of this temple are from the original Convento de Santo Domingo, built in 1563 and destroyed by earthquake in 1875.

San José—Carrera 7, between Calles 4 and 5—A more modern edifice constructed on the site of the former Santo Domingo monastery.

Ermita del Señor del Humilladero—Calle 2, between Carreras 7 and 8—This shrine of Pamplona’s most holy relic was built shortly after the city’s founding, and expanded in 1605.

Convento de Santa Clara—Calle 6, between Carreras 3 and 4—Of an austere, triple-belled exterior, this convent chapel is home to another important Christ representation, El Huerfanito, which had survived a 17th century earthquake.

Capilla de San Juan de Dios—Carrera 4, between Calles 6 and 7—A simple, white-washed parish church erected in 1665.

Ermita de las Nieves—Calle 5 and Carrera 3—Pamplona’s first church, dating from 1550.

Nuestra Señora del Carmen—Carrera 3, between Calles 5 and 6—A younger edifice neighboring the Ermite de las Nieves.

Relative price: Free

Travel Skills: None

A score of museums and small, interesting villages.