Primary Cathedral of Bogotá, Catholic cathedral at Plaza de Bolívar, Colombia.
The Primary Cathedral of Bogotá is a Neoclassical place of worship on Plaza de Bolívar in the Colombian capital. The building comprises five naves, sixteen side chapels, and two bell towers reaching 52 meters (171 feet), spread across approximately 5,300 square meters (57,000 square feet).
The current building arose between 1807 and 1823 under the direction of Friar Domingo de Petrés, replacing three previous church structures at this site. This construction followed several earlier attempts that had been destroyed by earthquakes and structural problems.
This place of worship holds the title of primatial church and has served as the seat of the capital's archbishop since the early 20th century. Visitors attend religious services or view the interior during public opening hours.
The church opens daily for services, guided tours, and occasional organ concerts, with entry from Plaza de Bolívar. Access inside the building is not adapted for wheelchairs, creating limitations for mobility-impaired visitors.
Inside stands Colombia's largest pipe organ, featuring over 4,500 individual pipes. The tomb of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, founder of Bogotá, is also located here.
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