The Salt Cathedral near the town of Zipaquirá is a must see when visiting Colombia. Traveling from Bogotá to Zipaquirá is an enjoyable trip because of the beauty of the landscape that the Colombian savannah offers.

            The architectural heritage of the town can be seen all around.

          Beautiful houses preserve the colonial touch on their façade: small wooden balconies, heavy wooden doors and narrow sidewalks make the jaunt a pleasant experience. Even though there is fair walking toward the Salt Cathedral, it is worth doing because before getting to the church a beautiful eucalyptus forest hides the paths that take you to the top of the hill where this architectural wonder lies.

The Salt Cathedral is made entirely in salt 200 meters underground. Inside silence is king and darkness overcomes light. Even though it sounds scary, it is not. The Salt Cathedral gives the visitors a warm welcome starting from the main gate where the exploration of the tunnels begins; softly colorful lights decorate the place bestowing the tunnels with a special mood in each section. The construction of the Cathedral began in 1950; it opened its doors in 1954. However, because the cathedral was carved inside an active salt mine, safety problems related to the structure forced to close the church in 1990. But one year later the construction of a new cathedral commenced, and in 1995 the current Cathedral was inaugurated. Since then, religious services are periodically held inside.

People from all over the world visit the Salt Cathedral. Believers or not, everyone is amazed by the ornaments and architectural details that are hand carved in the halite rock which is a sedimentary material stronger and more resistant that plain salt. There are 14 chapels representing the “Stations of The Cross” which depict main episodes of Jesus Christ’s birth, life, and death. Along the tunnels and labyrinth that lead to the main hall of the Cathedral, there are some points from where an immense Cross can be seen “floating” in the center of the hall. That increases the curiosity and the eagerness of reaching the bottom of the church where you will find the reason for this floating attraction.

But do not rush¡ there are others wonders: icons carved out of the salt walls, marble kneeling prayers, and natural salt formations showing the veins of the mountain are along the way. Man’s hand merges with the internal forms of the mountain becoming a beautiful complement of architecture and simplicity. One detail that makes this place cozy is the lighting; it constantly changes inside the Cathedral giving visitors the sensation of an isolated peace close to the heart of the earth.

Outside the Cathedral is located the Salt Mine Museum. The Museo de la Salmuera is part of the Salt Park (Parque de la Sal). The museum guides you through all the steps of the salt production process and the history of the mine itself. There is an impressive detailed model of the mine in which it is possible to be aware of how deep inside the earth one has been just several hours ago, or where are you going to be if you decide to visit the museum first. However, it is recommended to visit the Cathedral earlier.

          Not only for being a beautiful architectural building, the different moods that visitors experience inside the mountain, the marvelous details placed along the way, and the interesting history surrounded the whole site, make of the Salt Cathedral is a destination worth visiting. If you want to know how to get there, and to other places in Colombia visit www.hansatours.com. You won’t regret your choice¡