Cathedral of Santa Marta, Renaissance minor basilica in Santa Marta, Colombia.

The Cathedral of Santa Marta is a white Renaissance church whose facade carries a triangular pediment over the main door and a rectangular bell tower on the left, topped by a clock and a small dome with a cross. Inside, three naves are divided by massive square columns, the central one wider than the aisles, with a dome over the crossing. A band on the facade reads "IN HONOREM SANCTAE MARTHAE VIRGINIS ECCLESIA HAEC."

The structure was built in the mid-18th century and was one of the first of its kind on the South American continent. Its architecture dates from that founding era and has been retained through generations.

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Martha of Bethany, and its full name is Parroquia del Sagrario y San Miguel. The facade inscription reads "IN HONOREM SANCTAE MARTHAE VIRGINIS ECCLESIA HAEC." A banner on the bell tower marks the Ruta del Caribe and 50 years of history.

The cathedral faces the historic centre's main square, with the entrance under the triangular pediment and the bell tower to the left. The interior is a three-aisle basilica; the central nave and crossing rise above the narrower side aisles, so the dome over the crossing is best seen from the centre of the nave. Look for the barrel vaults with painted coffers and the cut lunettes that light them.

The remains of Rodrigo de Bastidas, who founded Santa Marta in 1525, were moved here from the Dominican Republic in 1953. Simón Bolívar's body lay in a vault in this church from 1830 until 1842, when it was taken to Caracas.