The experience of visiting the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá was overwhelming. I have heard about the magnificent of the construction, the cold sensation that invades you on your way down to the main hall of the church while leaving the world 40 meters above your head; I even read about the different natural salt formations one can find along the way, and the moods visitors undergo in each of the 13 chapels depicting Jesus’ life. But being inside the Salt Cathedral is something unique that I’ll try to describe.

First of all, let start with some data. The current Salt Cathedral is not the original one. The first church was closed due to some structural problems. So, in order to prevent any kind of accident authorities closed it. However, the new Cathedral is great. It definitely is an architectural artwork. Moreover, people who work there have a lot of information about the place; they answer all your questions about the history, material, salt production process. There is an especial tour inside that takes you to another side of the mine where there is not artificial light; the idea is to show you how miners used to extract the salt years ago. It is worth living. The first step into the Salt Cathedral feels like the first step into a common tunnel (in fact there is a manikin with a miner uniform at the entrance because the place is built in a functional salt mine); however, the feeling changes at the time one starts looking at the walls and pays attention to the details.

On the walls it is possible to discover the marks of time on the solid salt. The cathedral shelters special chambers that represent the birth, life and death of Christ, beyond their marvelous architecture, an eternal witness of faith and love. A curious fact is that the church is not officially recognized as a cathedral by the Vatican, even though people perform religious ceremonies; marriages are the most common.

Before entering the main room of the Cathedral, but after going by a symbolic labyrinth that determines the person’s spiritual condition (an interesting game, I might say¡), the main chamber opens up before your eyes. At the beginning it seems like a regular nave, but in the center there is an immense Cross dimly lit with yellow, red, green and blue lights. It is inevitable; the presence of the cross reminds you the holiness of the place one has stepped in. In the heart of the cathedral an overwhelming feeling of peace, calm, and joy fills your heart. Silence is the language, and your thoughts are the only thing you hear. Underground, a pure spirituality permeates you.

On the other side of this spirituality underground one is able to enjoy, there is the material and more mundane part of the trip. There is one section where you can find souvenirs (really beautiful, I might add), handicrafts, jewelry especially emeralds. The cafeteria, as the slogan says, is the spot where you can drink a cup of coffee underground. You can take a piece of salt rock with you¡  

You can imagine that going back to the surface is not easy after this experience. No doubt the experience was worth living. The sensation of being there will last because it is overwhelming and wonderful. It is a place to visit more than one time. That is sure.

Last thing. It is difficult to find tourist guides who respect the time where you immerse yourself in a special feeling. Fortunately, I went with a great agency, here is the link: www.hansatours.com. I’m sure you will get the time you need to enjoy this amazing place.