Church of Las Aguas (Santuario) - Image 1
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Santuario Las Aguas

4.7
·1k reviews·Bogotá, Colombia

A historic 17th-century church in Bogotá's Old Town, featuring ancient frescoes and an ornate retablo, guided by a unique water fountain.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
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Church of Las Aguas (Santuario) - Image 1

Santuario Las Aguas

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 17th-century church in Bogotá's Old Town, featuring ancient frescoes and an ornate retablo, guided by a unique water fountain.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Fairly interesting church but nothing ground breaking tourist wise."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Follow the Water

Let the cascading fountain guide you to this hidden gem in Old Town.

🖼️ Admire the Art

Don't miss the ancient frescoes and the stunning retablo inside.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Centuries-Old Frescoes

Centuries-Old Frescoes

Discover faded, yet beautiful, frescoes adorning the walls, whispering tales of the past.

Beautiful Retablo

Beautiful Retablo

Marvel at the intricate and ornate retablo, a stunning centerpiece of the church's interior.

Cascading Water Fountain

Cascading Water Fountain

Follow the unique water feature that leads you to this historic sanctuary.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

This historic church, built between 1640 and 1690, is a peaceful escape. While it's open daily, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and truly appreciate its serene atmosphere and centuries-old frescoes. Reddit

Finding the Church

Santuario Las Aguas is nestled in Bogotá's Old Town, easily accessible on foot. Follow the cascading water fountain along Avenida Jiménez; it's a unique landmark that guides you right to its doors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Experience tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Catch English mass
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Since everyone is posting their churches... This is my Church, built in 1640 (Bogotá, Colombia).

🚶 Follow the Water

Let the cascading fountain guide you to this hidden gem in Old Town. Reddit

🖼️ Admire the Art

Don't miss the ancient frescoes and the stunning retablo inside. Reddit

🙏 All Are Welcome

Whether religious or not, the history and culture are worth experiencing. Reddit

⛪ English Mass Available

Check schedules if you're looking for services in English. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Follow the Water

Let the cascading fountain guide you to this hidden gem in Old Town. Reddit

🖼️ Admire the Art

Don't miss the ancient frescoes and the stunning retablo inside. Reddit

🙏 All Are Welcome

Whether religious or not, the history and culture are worth experiencing. Reddit

⛪ English Mass Available

Check schedules if you're looking for services in English. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Santuario Las Aguas is a charming, historic church in Bogotá's Old Town, appreciated for its ancient frescoes and beautiful retablo. Visitors find it a peaceful and culturally significant stop, especially those interested in history. While not a major tourist attraction, its unique water feature and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile detour. Reddit

"Another historic church we passed on our walk to the Monserrate funicular."

Roger Van Gramberg

"Worth visiting. A small parish with traces of centuries old frescoes on the walls. Has a beautiful retablo. Follow the upward direction of the everflowing cascading fountain that travel within the city and it will lead you to this beautiful church."

leo lobarbio

"This historical piece, a small cozy Catholic church, was built between the years 1640 and 1690. It is a temple dedicated to worship Virgin Mary. Located in Old Town Bogotá, on Avenida Jiménez, a gorgeous place to walk by, alongside a small water canal, this church opens everyday."

Fernando Herrera

What People Like

Ancient frescoes
Beautiful retablo
Historic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Nothing groundbreaking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Santuario Las Aguas is located in Bogotá's Old Town on Avenida Jiménez. It's easily accessible by foot. A unique landmark is the cascading water fountain that flows within the city; following this will lead you directly to the church. Reddit

Yes, it's a convenient stop when exploring the historic center of Bogotá, and it's also near the route to the Monserrate funicular. Reddit

Many visitors find it a pleasant walk along Avenida Jiménez, especially if they enjoy exploring historic urban areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Santuario Las Aguas is a parish church and is generally open to visitors without an admission fee. Reddit

The church is open every day, though specific mass times may vary. It's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date schedule. Reddit

Absolutely! The church is appreciated for its historical significance, architecture, and the ancient frescoes, making it a worthwhile visit for everyone. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Visitors often highlight the centuries-old frescoes on the walls and the beautiful, ornate retablo. The unique water feature leading to the church is also a notable aspect. Reddit

It's described as a small, cozy Catholic church, offering an intimate and peaceful atmosphere for visitors. Reddit

Yes, the church offers regular English mass, which is a draw for international visitors. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Santuario Las Aguas offers a brief but engaging stop for families exploring Bogotá's Old Town. The unique water fountain leading to the church can be a fun visual for children, acting as a natural guide. Inside, the ancient frescoes and the ornate retablo can spark curiosity about history and art, even for younger visitors. Reddit

As a small and cozy church, it provides a peaceful respite from the city's energy. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to historical architecture and religious sites in a non-overwhelming way. The church is open daily, making it easy to fit into a family's itinerary. Reddit

🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and culture, Santuario Las Aguas is a must-visit. Built between 1640 and 1690, it's a tangible link to Bogotá's colonial past. The centuries-old frescoes are a rare surviving example of historical religious art, offering insights into the period's artistic techniques and spiritual life. Reddit

The church's ornate retablo is another significant feature, showcasing the craftsmanship of its era. Its location in the heart of the Old Town, coupled with the distinctive water feature, makes it an integral part of the historical urban landscape. Visiting Santuario Las Aguas provides a deeper understanding of Bogotá's heritage beyond the more prominent landmarks. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Santuario Las Aguas, also known as Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Las Aguas, is a significant historical landmark in Bogotá, Colombia. Construction began in 1640 and concluded around 1690, making it one of the older religious structures in the city. It's dedicated to the worship of the Virgin Mary and stands as a testament to colonial-era architecture and artistry. Reddit

The church is particularly noted for its centuries-old frescoes that still grace its walls, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic styles and religious devotion of the past. The beautiful retablo is another focal point, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. Its location on Avenida Jiménez, near a distinctive cascading water fountain, adds to its unique charm and accessibility within the bustling Old Town. Reddit

While not as grand as some of Bogotá's larger cathedrals, Santuario Las Aguas offers a more intimate and personal experience. It's a place where visitors can connect with history and art in a serene setting, appreciated by both believers and those interested in cultural heritage. Reddit

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