Las Lajas Sanctuary, Gothic Revival church in Ipiales, Colombia
The stone basilica stretches across a canyon at 2,600 meters altitude, connected to both sides of the gorge by a 50-meter bridge.
Construction of the current structure began in January 1916 and continued through August 1949, replacing an earlier 19th-century church at the same location.
The sanctuary walls display thousands of ceramic plaques expressing gratitude for miracles, following a local tradition that started in the 18th century.
Visitors can reach the sanctuary by taking a 15-minute collective taxi from Ipiales bus terminal or using the cable car system that connects to the site.
The grey and white church emerges directly from the rock face of the canyon, built at the exact location where a mute girl regained speech.
Location: Ipiales
Inception: 1949
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Website: http://laslajas.org
GPS coordinates: 0.80550,-77.58600
Latest update: August 31, 2025 09:30
This selection presents Neogothic architecture in churches, universities, parliaments, and railway stations. The buildings feature pointed arches, flying buttresses, rib vaults, and stone spires. These structures emerged in the 19th century as a revival of medieval architecture.
Colombia presents geographic diversity that spans Caribbean coastlines, Andean highlands, Pacific forests, and eastern plains. The country encompasses colonial architecture in towns like Barichara and Mompox, where centuries-old stone buildings and churches reflect Spanish heritage. Natural formations include the Tatacoa Desert with its red sandstone canyons, the seasonal colors of Caño Cristales river, and the coastal dunes at Punta Gallinas marking South America's northernmost point. Coffee-growing regions such as Jardín preserve traditional Antioquian architecture, while islands like Providencia and Gorgona protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems in both Caribbean and Pacific waters. From the arid landscapes of La Guajira Desert inhabited by Wayuu communities to the neo-Gothic architecture of Las Lajas Sanctuary bridging a river canyon, these locations demonstrate the country's contrasts. Visitors can explore mountain trails, observe astronomical phenomena in clear desert skies, discover colonial goldsmithing traditions, and witness humpback whale migrations. Each destination contributes to understanding Colombia's environmental and cultural range, offering experiences that vary from remote wilderness areas to well-preserved historical settlements across different elevations and climates.
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