The Churches of Tunja

Location:
Tunja, Colombia

Historical Building

By Lorraine Caputo

Tunja's Catholic temples present unusual architectural features seldom seem elsewhere. A common theme in many is the gold-leaf-on-red furnishings. Open mass hours except where noted. No photos are allowed of any of the interiors.

--Catedral Santiago de Tunja (Basílica Metropolitana de Santiago el Mayor de España)--Carrera 9, Plaza de Bolívar. Contains the tomb of Gonzalo Suárez Rendón, founder of Tunja. Can also make appointment with Cultura and Turismo office to visit.

--San Laureano--Carrera 10, between Calles 13 and 14

--Santa Clara--Carrera 11, between Calles 20 and 21

--San Ignacio--Carrera 10, between Calles 18 and 19--Stunningly simple interior with bare stone-brick-adobe and white-washed walls, and fully gilded chapel and altar screens. Also open Thursday evenings for concerts.

--Santa Bárbara--Carrera 11, between Calles 16 and 17

--San Franicisco--Carrera 10, between Calles 22 and 23

--Santo Domingo--Carrera 11, between Calles 18 and 19--Open Daily 8 a.m.- noon, 2-6 p.m. Impressive red interior with gold-leaf and nacre (mother-of-pearl) accents. The Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario is considered Latin America's "Sistine Chapel."

--Capilla y Convento de Santa Clara La Real--Carrera 7 19-17--Open daily 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2-6 p.m. Also houses the Museo de Arte Religioso (free).

--Iglesia y Monasterio de El Topo--Carrera 15 17-99. Visits can be arranged with the tourism office.

Price Description: Free.

Travel Skills: None