National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen, Bogota

National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen, Bogota

The National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen (Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora del Carmen) is a landmark of religious, historical, and architectural significance in Bogota. Located in the heart of the La Candelaria neighborhood, the city’s historic center, the sanctuary is easily recognizable for its striking red-and-white striped facade. This unique design extends to its interiors, enhancing the Florentine Gothic style with Byzantine and Moorish influences.

Designed by Italian architect and Salesian priest Giovanni Buscaglione, the sanctuary blends Florentine Gothic style with influences from his travels in Egypt and Turkey. Built between 1926 and 1938 in a Latin cross plan with three naves, it replaced a 17th-century Church of Carmen. After the Carmelite Mothers were expelled in 1881 and the site was used as a military hospital, it was granted to the Salesians in 1890, who transformed it into the present sanctuary.

Buscaglione’s architectural legacy in Colombia includes numerous religious and educational structures, but the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen remains his most celebrated work. The church’s distinctive aesthetic reflects a harmonious confluence of styles, with ornate frescoes, intricate mural paintings, and Islamic-inspired details that stand as a testament to his creative genius.

Restoration efforts in 1987, led by Mexican expert Rodolfo Vallin Magana, restored the sanctuary’s interior paintings and murals, which had suffered damage from pollution, candle smoke, and historical events like the Bogotá riots of 1948. Today, the sanctuary's restored beauty continues to captivate visitors and worshippers alike.

Designated a National Monument in 1993, the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen remains a symbol of the Salesian community’s contributions to Colombian society and an enduring masterpiece of sacred art and architecture.

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.

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National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen on Map

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Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bogota, Colombia

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Architectural Jewels

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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.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bogota Old Town Walking Tour

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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

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