COL: Monserrate
Bogota, Colombia
If I ever return to Bogota, I'll make sure to visit Guadalupe Hill.
Monserrate is a mountain that rises above 3,000 m, overlooking the city centre of Bogota. Considered sacred since pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by the indigenous Muisca people, the mountain is a pilgrimage site with a church perched at its summit. Beyond its spiritual significance, it's also an iconic tourist attraction.
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COL: Monserrate <YOU ARE HERE!>
COL: Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lake Tour
COL: El Dorado International Airport
COL: Avianca VIP Lounge @ El Dorado International Airport
TRY: Turkish Airlines TK800 (Business)
TRY: Turkish Airlines TK208 (Economy)
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On most days, visitors use a cable car to reach the summit. A round-trip ticket costs COP 29,500 (~S$9.20), but only COP 17,500 (~S$5.40) on Sundays at the point of writing.
When the cable car isn't in operation, a funicular is available as an alternative.
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| The cable car system was built in 1953. |
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| It takes about four minutes to reach the summit. |
Before going for our late lunch, my BFF and I walked through the Stations of the Cross.
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| Just as Jesus fell and rose again, we too shall find the strength to rise every time we stumble. |
We had lunch at Restaurante Casa Santa Clara.
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| The restaurant received the Travellers' Choice Award 2024 by Tripadvisor. |
There's something about Christmas that I eagerly look forward to every year.
From Monserrate, you can see the neighbouring Guadalupe Hill, crowned by a statue called the Virgin of Guadalupe that was completed in 1946.
When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, the native religious beliefs of the Muisca were quashed and replaced by Catholicism. Monserrate Sanctuary was built between 1650 and 1657, marking the beginning of its transformation into a Catholic pilgrimage site.
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| The current church, built in the 20th century, replaced the earlier structure. |
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| Above the altar is a statue of the Fallen Lord, an effigy of Jesus Christ. |
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| Don't you love dioramas? They're akin to picture books in 3D. |
Behind the church is a vibrant alley lined with artisanal shops and eateries.
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| How powerful is your bargaining skill? |
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| Fancy some meat and blood sausages? |
I certainly enjoyed the aerial view from the summit at night.
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| "There’s something magical about the night, something that awakens a different side of the city." ~ Erin Morgenstern |
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| The city lights looked like scattered jewels, shimmering against the dark. |
Whether it’s the scenic cable car ride, serene sanctuary at the summit or the bustling market alley, Monserrate blends the sacred and the lively in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
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