Parish of Our Lady of the Snows

Parish of Our Lady of the Snows

The Parish of Our Lady of the Snows, located in the Santa Fe district, in the heart of Bogotá, dates back to 1568, when an image of the Virgin Mary—a Marian devotion from the 4th century, erected as a tribute to the Virgin of the Snows in Rome, Italy—arrived in the city. Measuring 64 meters long by 27.50 meters wide, it is the second-oldest temple in the city, a unique treasure of history and beauty on Calle 20 with Carrera Séptima, formerly called "the Royal Road to Tunja" and before that "the Salt Road."

It is said that all those who were about to embark on their journey from ancient Santa Fe to Tunja consecrated themselves to the Virgin of the Snows. The 1917 earthquake significantly affected the parish's structure, so five years later, it was demolished, and reconstruction began, radically transforming its original design. Currently, the temple is inspired by Byzantine design, consistent with the country's republican-period religious architecture, and is recognized by its facade painted in yellow and red stripes.

The high altar is adorned with spiral columns, and the pulpit is carved from beautifully crafted wood. Its stained glass windows in the side aisles and imposing sculptures stand out. The temple features several colonial paintings and is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest for Comprehensive Conservation. Besides being an architectural landmark, this temple is one of the most visited places during Holy Week, making it a site of great significance in the religious life of the city, not only as a point of interest for those seeking a space for spiritual reflection but also for lovers of the history and architecture of the Colombian capital..