[Las Lajas Church | Santuario de Las Lajas]

[Santuario de Las Lajas] — A Gothic gem spanning a deep canyon, where faith and wonder intersect — A "Gothic church on a bridge" spanning the Guaitara River Canyon near Ipiales in southwestern Colombia. Built by local believers between 1916 and 1949, its majestic beauty, described as "black and white stone lacework," floats like a castle in a storybook. . ⸻ 📍[Location] About a 15-minute drive from the center of Ipiales City in Nariño Province. It is also close to the Ecuadorian border, making it a popular destination for tours and day trips. 🕰️[Visiting points] The church can be visited for free. The bridge across the canyon and the interior of the church are a must-see! If you also want to visit the underground crypt and museum, we recommend adding another 30 minutes to an hour. ⸻ ✨Recommended points • The neo-Gothic architecture towering over the narrow valley is truly breathtakingly beautiful • The stone bridge seen from the underground crypt and the spires reaching into the sky create a cinematic effect • Inside, the miraculous Virgin Mary statue, stained glass, and gold-rimmed arches create a solemn atmosphere • As a trace of folk belief, the votive plaques and thank-you sticks lined up on the walls are also worth seeing  ⸻ 🎒Tips and advice • The bridge and the valley can be windy and a little chilly on some days, so it's a good idea to bring a thin jacket! • You can also enjoy the view across the valley by taking the cable car (paid, can be confirmed at the counter on the day)  • It gets crowded during tourist seasons and religious events, so it's recommended to visit early in the morning for a quieter experience • If you like history and legends, listening to the miracles of the Virgin Mary statue and the architectural background with a guide will add depth to your experience! ⸻ 🌟【How to take your fun up a notch】 Enjoy the small canyon atmosphere nestled in the valley below the bridge, and take some spectacular photos with the church in the background! The lighting at dusk is just like a scene from a movie✨ ⸻ #Las Lajas Church #Colombia #Ipiales #Absolutely Free Trip