Santuario de la Lajas

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You have probably seen images of this surrealist Cathedral a few times while doing research about Colombia, but never really found out what it was and even if it was real... This is a very little known place, totally unique that feels like right out of Middle age.

=> If you are into history and architecture, it will totally blow your mind.

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The Santuario de la Lajas is one of these wonders that men once created, a Neo-Gothic Cathedral between 2 cliffs that is also a bridge, lost in some incredible scenery with waterfalls and beautiful views.
The Cathedral was built on the bridge spanning the river gorge between 1916 and 1944.

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Located at the Ecuadorian border, the Sanctuario de la Lajas is a must see for anybody traveling around South America.
If heading south to Quito it is best to try and time a visit here early in the day so you are not arriving too late in Quito, the boarder formalities and catching the connecting bus all takes time.

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The little story...
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You will bump into many pilgrims while visiting the site. In fact, the Virgin Mary's face is believed to have emerged from one of the rocks in the 18th century. There is a painting on the rock that shows where : "Our Lady of Las Lajas".

The picture penetrates the rock miraculously and is not painted, but mysteriously imprinted in the rock. The colors are not applied in a surface layer of paint or other material, but penetrate deep into the rock.

=> You might not see the Virgin, but will surely meet many people in quest of a miracle and in a way, this Cathedral is a miracle in itself.

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=> Click on the pictures for a Zoom and use the Arrow keys for a slide show!
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How to get there?
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- The Santuario de las Lajas is located in the southern Colombian Department of Nariño, municipality of Ipiales and built inside the canyon of the Guaitara River, 7 kms South East of Ipiales. (Check map on the right)
- You can catch a taxi or a minibus from Ipiales, there are quite a few all day.
- You can catch a bus from the bus station (Ipiales as well).
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=> Both take about 20 mns and cost around COP$ 2000
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