Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: all you can do in this one-of-a-kind church. 

How a church beneath the ground came about

Just about an hour from Bogotá lies Zipaquirá, a colonial town from the 1600s, nestled in at 8.700 feet on one of the main mountains in Colombia, in the Eastern range of the Andes.

Historically, it has been an area of interest and human activity due to its large salt deposits. In pre-Hispanic times, prosperous indigenous communities settled and thrived in Zipaquirá. Throughout colonial and republican times, salt exploitation continued to be a key economic activity locally. In 1932, a chapel was built inside the Zipaquirá salt mine for workers to worship in. Later on, in 1991, the management closed it down due to structural instability.

The modern-day cathedral lies 590 feet below ground level, about 196 feet under the original chapel. The mine itself is one of the world’s largest rock salt reserves.

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a Colombian wonder

The cathedral you can explore today was inaugurated in 1995. As one of many Colombian tourist attractions, it has welcomed thousands of visitors who are in awe of its sights and overall feeling.

The journey through the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá begins with a 1.200-foot long tunnel, exhibiting the 14 stations of the Catholic Way of the Cross. Each small altar is carved into the mine’s rock salt.

The cathedral’s dome is ahead, lit in such a way that it resembles the sky. From there, a descending path takes visitors to a maze-like construction called Nartex, or Narthex. A sculpture of Saint Michael the Archangel dominates the area from above.

Going forward, the three naves of the cathedral depict the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• Nave of Birth: It has a baptismal font and a crystalized salt cascade symbolizing the Jordan River, where Jesus’ baptism took place.
• Nave of Life: It has four main pillars, one for each of the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. A 52-foot cross rules the enclosure. There is also a medallion representing Michelangelo’s Creation in the middle of the nave.
• Nave of Resurrection: It features an interpretation of Michelangelo’s Pietà, the famous marble sculpture of Mary holding the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion.

Other popular attractions in the cathedral include the water mirror. This brine pond perfectly reflects the mine’s walls and ceiling, producing a haunting optical effect. There is also a regular showing of the animated 3D short Nucuma, which tells the story of the mine and the different methods miners have used to extract salt throughout the years.

Do not miss the Miner’s Route, which allows you to experience what it is like to work in a salt mine.

Recommendations to enjoy the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

As expected, there are a few safety recommendations to take into account when exploring an underground site.

• Pay attention to instructions. Upon arrival, the mine’s guide will indicate the location of evacuation routes, meeting points, alarm systems, and infirmaries.
• Wear proper footwear. Your shoes should be suitable for walking uneven terrain.
• People with claustrophobia, as well as cardiac and respiratory conditions, are advised not to visit the mine.
• Children under eight years of age, adults over 70 years of age, and those with sensory or functional disabilities must have a companion during their visit.