Zipaquirá is a town that has preserved the old town from colonial times. However, it is known primarily for the so-called Salt Cathedral, which was carved in the salt mine adit located under the buildings.
In pre-Columbian times there was a large Indian settlement in these areas. The city was founded at the beginning of the 17th century by the Spaniards, and soon after that, the local salt deposits were discovered. The mines provided not only employment, but above all high income. Today, one of the biggest attractions of Zipaquirá is the Salt Cathedral, which is located in the corridors of the salt mines. Beautifully illuminated, it looks like a fairy-tale land and attracts many tourists every year.
Sightseeing in Zipaquirá mainly covers the historic center. Its heart is the monumental St. Trinity and St. Anthony with a richly decorated interior. Its neighborhood is full of pretty colonial buildings, cobbled streets and squares. The area is also home to many restaurants and bars, and the entire city is known for its lively nightlife.
You can learn about the history of Zipaquirá and its surroundings by visiting the Zipaquirá Archaeological Museum with its large collections from the pre-Columbian era.
