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Square · Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca
Centro histórico de Zipaquirá
The colonial center of Zipaquirá around the Plaza de los Comuneros, with the stone diocesan cathedral, balconyed manor houses and the Palacio Municipal.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro histórico de Zipaquirá
The historic center of Zipaquirá is organized around the Plaza de los Comuneros, a wide stone square with palm trees, surrounded by two-story houses with wooden balconies and clay tile roofs. The name recalls the Comuneros' revolt of 1781, whose agreement was signed in the town. The town was founded in 1600 and for centuries lived off salt.
On the east side stands the Catedral Diocesana de Zipaquirá, built of stone between the late 18th century and the early 20th century, with a design attributed to the friar Domingo de Petrés, the same who worked on the Catedral Primada de Bogotá. Around the square are the Palacio Municipal, in republican style, and the shopping streets with cafés, bakeries and restaurants.
The square is the center of local life and the spot where visitors to the Catedral de Sal stop for lunch. In the area people eat fritanga, grilled meats, morcilla (blood sausage) and the milk dessert with fig jam and arequipe. Gabriel García Márquez studied at the town's school, now Casa Museo Quevedo Zornoza, near the square.
Zipaquirá is at 2,650 meters, a little higher than Bogotá, and the climate is cool year-round.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for the square, the cathedral and the surrounding streets, including lunch.
Best time
After visiting the Catedral de Sal, at lunchtime or in the mid-afternoon. On weekends the square is livelier.
How to get there
The center is about a 15-minute walk from the Parque de la Sal, downhill. Buses from Bogotá stop near the center.
Tip
Walk the route between the underground cathedral and the square, passing through streets of old houses. Order a "postre de natas" (cream dessert) or a sweet with arequipe at a bakery on the square.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro histórico de Zipaquirá
Why is the square called Plaza de los Comuneros?
It recalls the Comuneros' revolt of 1781 against colonial taxes; the agreement that ended the uprising was signed in Zipaquirá.
Is it worth staying longer in the center beyond the Catedral de Sal?
One or two hours are enough for the square, the diocesan cathedral and lunch. It's a good complement to a morning at the mine.
Is the diocesan cathedral connected to the Catedral de Sal?
No. It is the town's main stone church on the square. The Catedral de Sal is inside the mine on the hill.