Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, Tunja

The Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle is a church with three interior aisles and side chapels located on Plaza de Bolívar. The building combines Isabelline style with classical design elements, topped by a single tower that rises above the roofline.

Construction started in 1567 under architects Pedro Gutiérrez and Bartolomé Carrión as one of the first religious buildings in the Spanish colony. The project took several decades to complete and influenced how churches were built across the region.

The plaza surrounding this building has been the heart of community gatherings and religious celebrations for hundreds of years. The space continues to define how the city comes together for important events.

The building is open daily for visitors and sits in the heart of the city on a large plaza. You can walk inside to see the interior spaces, and staff can provide information about guided visits.

This was the first major Roman Catholic church built in the Spanish colony in South America and set the standard for religious buildings that followed. Its design influenced how other churches were constructed throughout the region for generations.