Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral Basilica Metropolitan & Primatial of the Immaculate Conception & Saint Peter of Bogotá
Catedral Basílica Metropolitana y Primada de la Inmaculada Concepción y San Pedro de Bogotá
Bogotá Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral next to Sacred Chapel and Archiepiscopal Palace
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
District	Archdiocese of Bogotá
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Cathedral, Minor basilica
Leadership	Archbishop Metropolitan of Bogotá Luis José Rueda Aparicio
Location
Location	Bogotá, Colombia
Architecture
Architect(s)	Friar Domingo de Petrés
Architectural type	Church
Architectural style	Neoclassical
Groundbreaking	1807 (fourth cathedral)
Completed	1823
Specifications
Direction of façade	West
Height (max)	52
Website
http://catedral.arquibogota.org.co/es/

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Bogotá is a very important Catholic church in Bogotá, Colombia. It is officially called the Sacred Holy Temple Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica and Primate of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and Saint Peter. This beautiful building is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and Saint Peter. You can find it in the famous Plaza de Bolívar in the heart of Bogotá.

This cathedral is the main church for the Archbishop of Bogotá. It was given the special title of Primate of Colombia by Pope Leo XIII in 1902. It is also home to the "Parish of the Cathedral Basilica Metropolitana de Bogotá Saint Peter".

The cathedral was designed by Domingo de Petrés. It was built between 1807 and 1823. This was not the first church on this spot. Three other churches stood here before it. Because of its history, amazing architecture, and cultural value, it was named a National Monument in 1975.

History of the Cathedral

The story of the cathedral began with the Spanish conquistadors (explorers and conquerors) in the Bogotá area. On August 6, 1538, a missionary named Friar Domingo de las Casas held the first Holy Mass. This happened in a simple chapel made of mud and straw. This was the very spot where the first stones for a church were later laid. The Spanish called this place "Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza" (Our Lady of Hope).

In 1553, Friar Juan de los Barrios decided to build a bigger cathedral. It would be made of mud and brick walls. The city council agreed, and the work began. However, in 1560, just before it was finished, the roof collapsed! Even so, in 1562, Pope Pius IV still gave it the title of Cathedral.

Twelve years later, Friar Juan de los Barrios, who became the first archbishop of the city, helped start a new cathedral. He carried the first stone himself, inspiring others to help. Construction started on March 12, 1572. This new church, the third one, had three main sections and four chapels.

The main parts of this church were finished by 1590. The tower was completed in 1678. This third cathedral was known for its rich worship and music. But on July 12, 1785, a strong earthquake hit Bogotá. It badly damaged the building. So, in 1805, they decided to tear down part of it.

Later, the Church of San Ignacio was used as a temporary cathedral. It was called "Vice-cathedral of San Carlos." It is only half a block away from the main plaza.

In the early 1800s, Friar Domingo de Petrés was chosen to rebuild the cathedral. He was a Capuchin friar and a skilled architect. He was inspired by the Neoclassical style, which was popular then. Friar Domingo started the new cathedral on February 11, 1807. He is known as one of the most important architects of the New Kingdom of Granada (colonial Colombia). He also designed other famous buildings.

Friar Domingo died in 1811, but the inside of the cathedral was mostly done. Nicolás León finished the rest of the work. The cathedral was finally completed and blessed on April 19, 1823. In 1902, Pope Leo XIII gave it the special title of Primate of Colombia.

Location in the City

The Metropolitan and Primate Basilica Cathedral is located on the eastern side of Plaza de Bolívar. This is in the historic center of Bogotá, in an area called La Candelaria. The main entrance faces west, looking towards Plaza de Bolívar. A side door faces north, towards the Museum of the 20 de julio. This museum is where the Cry of Independence happened.

Right next to the cathedral, on its south side, is the Chapel del Sagrario. This church was built between 1660 and 1689. Between the Cathedral and the Chapel del Sagrario is the "Casa del Cabildo Eclesiástico." This building was built in 1689.

The Archbishop's Palace completes the block on Plaza de Bolívar. This building was constructed between 1952 and 1959. It replaced an older palace that was destroyed in 1948.

The Plaza de Bolívar itself is a very important public square. It has seen many major political and social events in Colombia's history. Around the square, you can find other important buildings. These include the Palace of Justice to the north and the Capitolio Nacional to the south. In the center of the square, there is a statue of Simón Bolívar. This statue was placed there in 1847.

What the Cathedral Looks Like

The cathedral has a classic church design, shaped like a Latin cross. It covers a huge area of 5,300 square meters. Inside, it has five main sections called naves. There is a central nave, two side naves of the same height, and two more naves for the chapels. It also has a main altar and 16 chapels.

The front of the cathedral, called the portal, has two main parts. The first part has eight tall columns. The second part also has columns. Three sculptures by Juan de Cabrera decorate the top of each door. The north door has Saint Peter, the south door has Saint Paul, and the front door has the Immaculate Conception. Above the main door, a marble slab has an inscription. It says the church will do well under the Immaculate Conception. It also mentions the architect, Friar Domingo de Petrés, and the year 1814.

The towers were rebuilt after an earthquake in 1827. They are 52 meters (about 170 feet) tall. Each tower has openings for bells. The south tower is dedicated to Saint Barbara. The north tower, dedicated to Saint Emygdius, has a clock.

The main door was made in the 16th century. It is very large, about 7.20 meters (23.6 feet) high and 3.60 meters (11.8 feet) wide. It has beautiful bronze decorations. The side doors are a bit smaller. The open area in front of the cathedral, called the atrium, is 110 meters (360 feet) long. It was built between 1631 and 1664.

Chapels Inside

The cathedral has many beautiful chapels. Here are some of them:

Chapel I: Chapel of the Baptistery

When you enter the south nave, the first chapel on your right is the Baptistery. It has a stone baptismal font from the 18th century. Behind it is a painting called "Baptism of Christ" from 1898.

Chapel II: Chapel of San Pedro

Further east in the south nave is the Chapel of San José. It has a carved wooden image from the 17th century. This chapel is also known as the Chapel of Saint Peter.

Chapel del Sagrario

You can also enter the Chapel del Sagrario directly from the main cathedral.

Chapel III: Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Carmen

This chapel has a carved wooden sculpture from the 20th century. There are also 17th-century paintings of "Saint Teresa of Jesus" and "Appearance of Our Lady to San Simón Stock."

Chapel IV: Chapel of Santa Isabel de Hungría

This chapel is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, who is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Bogotá. It used to be called the chapel of Saint Ursula. The main painting here is "Saint Elizabeth of Hungary."

In this chapel, you can find the tomb of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. He was the Spanish conquistador who founded the city of Bogotá. His tomb was sculpted by Luis Alberto Acuña. On the eastern wall, there is a bust of General Antonio Nariño, where his remains are kept.

Chapel V: Chapel of Santiago Apóstol

This chapel has a colonial painting called "Saint James Apostle in the Battle of Clavijo." This painting was done by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos. The famous painter Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos (1638–1711) is buried in this very chapel.

Chapel VI: Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Topo

Behind the main altar is the Chapel of Our Lady of El Topo. This chapel is a historical and religious treasure. It has an altar from the 18th century. The main painting, from 1610, shows Our Lady of Sorrows of El Topo. This painting is very special and has been in the cathedral since 1610.

Chapel IX: Chapel of la Inmaculada Concepción

This chapel is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, who is the patron saint of Bogotá. It has a statue of the Immaculate Conception from 1904. There is also a statue over the tomb of Archbishop Bernardo Herrera Restrepo.

Chaprel X: Chapel of San José

This chapel is the oldest one, built in 1590. It used to be called the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. It has a statue of the Virgin of Mercy.

"False" door

After the Chapel of San José, there is a side entrance to the church. On the outside, it has a stone carving of the coat of arms of Spain.

Pipe Organ

The pipe organ in the cathedral is a very impressive instrument. It was built by Aquilino Amezua, a famous Spanish organ builder. It has 58 different sounds or "stops." It also has four keyboards for the hands and one for the feet. With about 4,500 pipes, it is the largest organ in Colombia. This organ can sound like a whole orchestra, with trumpets, oboes, clarinets, flutes, and even human voices. It is used for religious services and also for concerts.

The organ was restored between 2013 and 2016. A Spanish company called Gerhard Grenzing S.A. did the work. They have also worked on organs in other famous cathedrals around the world. The restored organ was officially opened on July 2, 2016.

Other Important Burials

Many important people are buried in the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá. Some of them include:

• Aníbal Muñoz Duque
• Aurelio París Sanz de Santamaría
• Julián de Cortázar
• Policarpa Salavarrieta (a special monument, not her actual burial)

Nearby Churches

The cathedral is surrounded by other churches in Bogotá.

• North: Church of La Veracruz and Church of Nuestra Señora de Las Aguas
• East: Church of Nuestra Señora de Egipto
• West: Church of La Capuchina

See also

In Spanish: Catedral Primada de Colombia para niños

• List of buildings in Bogotá
• List of tallest structures built before the 20th century

Images for kids

• 

  Main facade

• 

  Plaza de Bolívar and cathedral in 1840

• 

  Plaza de Bolívar in 1844

• 

  The Plaza de Bolívar in 1846

• 

  Bogotá Cathedral in 1950

• 

  Location of the Metropolitan Cathedral and Primate Basilica in La Candelaria

• 

  Inside view of the cathedral

• 

  Plan of the Bogotá Cathedral

• 

  Arms of the Bogotá Primatial Cathedral as a minor basilica

• 

  Chapel of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, with the sarcophagus of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada

• 

  The Our Lady of El Topo, a painting from the 16th century

• 

  Christ of the Conquest, painted in 1538

• 

  The pipe organ