[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. .
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📍[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.
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✨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 
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🎒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!
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🌟【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✨
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#Las Lajas Church
#Colombia #Ipiales
#Absolutely Free Trip