Iglesia de la Veracruz

La Veracruz stands on the Plazuela de la Veracruz, on Calle Boyacá, one block from Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia. It began as a chapel that Captain Juan Céspedes de Hinestroza started in 1682 and that was finished in 1713 with money from foreigners living in the town. That's why it was called la Veracruz de los Forasteros (of the outsiders), and outsiders were buried there.

Today's church was rebuilt between 1791 and 1803 and blessed in 1809. It has a white facade topped with a three-tiered belfry and gilded altars inside. It's one of the few colonial buildings left downtown, and in 1982 it was declared a national cultural heritage site.

The little square in front has columns and a bronze fountain, and was remodeled in 1968. During the day the area fills with shops and people. Behind the church, toward Carrera 53, there are blocks known for robberies and prostitution: come in from the Plaza Botero side and don't keep going toward the back.

What to see

• The white facade and its belfry.
• The gilded altars inside.
• The little square with its fountain and columns.
• Plaza Botero, one block away.

Getting there

• Metro: Parque Berrío station (Line A), then a block and a half on foot heading west along Calle 51.
• On foot from Plaza Botero: one block along Carrera 52 (Carabobo).

Tips

• Go during the day, ideally on a weekday.
• Don't walk behind the church toward Carrera 53.
• Keep your phone and wallet put away; downtown is an area for opportunistic theft.
• Real City Tours' free walking tour passes through here if you'd rather go with a guide.