Iglesia de San Ignacio (Church of San Ignacio), Bogota

Iglesia de San Ignacio (Church of San Ignacio), Bogota

The Church of San Ignacio is a remarkable Catholic temple dedicated to San Ignacio de Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. Nestled in the historic La Candelaria neighborhood of Bogota, it sits between Calle 10 and Carrera Sexta and Séptima, flanked by the Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé and the Museum of Colonial Art. This iconic structure is administered by the Society of Jesus.

Construction of the church began in 1610 under the guidance of Juan Bautista Coluccini, an Italian Jesuit priest and architect. The church was consecrated in 1635, although the construction was completed only in 1691. During its early years, the church played a vital role in the city's religious and civic life. After an earthquake in 1763 destroyed the dome, its reconstruction stretched over several years.

The church underwent a significant transformation during the Jesuit expulsion (1767–1891) when it was renamed San Carlos to honor King Carlos III. During this period, it also served as a vice-cathedral due to its proximity to the main square, a role it held until the completion of the current Primate Cathedral.

Father Coluccini's design for San Ignacio drew inspiration from the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuit order. The structure features a Renaissance-style layout, similar to the Basilica of Saint Andrew in Mantua, with a large central nave, side chapels, a continuous balcony, a transept, and a dome. The façade is adorned with three arched openings, symbolizing the three naves within. The church is located opposite Rufino Cuervo Square, contributing to an architectural ensemble in Bogotá's colonial heart.

After years of neglect, restoration led by architect Ernesto Moure and the Carlos Arbeláez Camacho Institute restored the Church of San Ignacio to its former splendor. Now a beautifully preserved landmark, it highlights Bogotá's colonial heritage and Jesuit influence, attracting visitors with its historical and architectural significance.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bogota. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Iglesia de San Ignacio (Church of San Ignacio) on Map

1
50 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Iglesia de San Ignacio (Church of San Ignacio)
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bogota, Colombia

Create Your Own Walk in Bogota

Create Your Own Walk in Bogota

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bogota is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Architectural Jewels

Architectural Jewels

Bogota, Colombia, is quite a city for an architectural experience. Attentive to the local historical heritage, the city has managed to preserve in full splendor most of its colonial buildings.

One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.

Not far away from it...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Bogota Old Town Walking Tour

Bogota Old Town Walking Tour

In 1538, the indigenous Muisca of the Colombian Altiplano had the advantage in numbers over the force of conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Arriving in the Muisca Federation, the Spanish had only 162 exhausted men. However, the guecha warriors of Chief Tisquesusa were no match. The Federation fell in bloody battle.

In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Bogota Shopping Tour

Bogota Shopping Tour

Colombia is known for its gold and emeralds, recognizable national clothing, pottery, accessories, and other crafts. The country's capital Bogota is so rich in authentic shopping that it's almost mind-boggling to decide what to buy first and most importantly, where to buy it at the best possible price!

Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


18 Uniquely Columbian Things to Buy in Bogota

18 Uniquely Columbian Things to Buy in Bogota

To those who understand Russian, the word "Bogota" sounds very similar to the one translating as "rich". And, indeed, the city does live up to this name connotation in terms of peculiar things worth exploring in addition to coca, coffee and emeralds. Here's the longer list...
Enjoying Onces in Bogota

Enjoying Onces in Bogota

Elevenses, on the surface, seem to be a particularly British tradition, a break for something light and sweet between breakfast and lunch, a time to gossip, a time to catch up, a time just to be. Lo and behold, Colombia somewhere along the line adapted this tradition in a particularly Latin fashion....