Iglesia Santa Bárbara is perhaps the most unusual of Tunja's churches. Upon entering the atrium, to the right is a room full of niche tombs. Steps then lead from the atrium down into the nave. The color scheme of the sanctuary is impressive: the walls are dark blue-gray accented with gilt-wood orchid flowers. Up to the transept chapel arches, the designs are simpler; this part was restored after a 1927 earthquake. Beyond, one notices the richness, the intricacy of the wall treatment, done in silver and gold paint. The ceiling is intertwined with flowering-vine murals. The apse arch is bright gold leaf with basket-weave pilasters and capitals, persons burning in hell, then the vegetative motif. The apse itself is red and gold. In the left transept chapel is the treasure of this temple: red silk vestments embroidered in gold and silver thread by Juana la Loca, mother of Emperor Charles V. More original murals survive in the right chapel.

Location:
Carrera 11, between Calles 16 and 17
Tunja, Colombia

Historical Building

Travel Skills: None

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 11 Jan 2008

Updated: 18 May 2009

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Iglesia de Santa Bárbara

One Crazy Temple!

Wow, this church is really rad! & those cloths done up by Joan the Mad (have tou seen the movie about her?)! The only bad thing about it is trying to find it open. Gotta go to mass if you want to see this gem!

Traveler from United States on Jan 11, 2008