Catedral

Location:
Between Calles 16 and 17, with Carrera 4
Santa Marta, Colombia

Historical Building

By Lorraine Caputo

The white-washed Catedral of Santa Marta was built within a decade of the city’s founding. The front façade is accented by an onion-domed bell tower. The floor plan is a Roman cross. The nave has barrel vaulting and the side aisles quadpartite vaulting. Side chapel screens are made of marble. The front left chapel exhibits a statue of the Virgin that accompanied the Spanish founders. Within this bright, solemn space is the last resting places of founder Rodrigo de Bastidas and Bishop Celendón. For a while, the Great Liberator, Simón Bolívar, reposed here before his remains being taken to Caracas’ Pantheon in 1839 (except his heart and intestines, which remain here).

Travel Tips: Upon entering the cathedral, the tomb of Bastidas is to the left of the door and Bishop Celedón’s to the right. To the right of the altar is Bolívar’s first grave, and in front of the altar is his second burial site.

Price Description: Free.

Relative price: Free

Travel Skills: None

Visit Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Bolívar died, now a museum, and the Museo de Oro Tairona, in the former Aduanas building, where the Liberator’s body laid in state before burial; stroll the old Bananatown; visit Aracataca and Ciénaga; tour other museums in Santa Marta and El Rodadero.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso