Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Cave church in salt mine, Zipaquirá, Colombia.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground church inside a working mine in Colombia, located 180 meters below the surface. Three main sections organize the space: a long entrance tunnel, a central hall with a cross, and several smaller chapels along the side passages.
People began extracting salt from these mountains in the 5th century BC, long before Spaniards reached the region. Miners built the first chapel in the 1950s, but the current facility opened in 1995 following new designs deeper inside the mountain.
The salt blocks shimmer in shades ranging from white to pink when light catches the crystals. Visitors can touch the tall columns and sense the mineral scent of the underground deposit.
Warm clothing is advisable, as the temperature inside remains steady at around 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit). The route includes stairs and ramps, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for slopes.
A large cross on the wall glows from within, as engineers embedded lights into the salt structure. Some visitors notice a faint salty taste in the air when breathing.
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