On a return trip to Bogota from the San Andres Island, I had half a day to visit Colombia’s capital city. The first place I visited was Monserrate which has a view for the ages of Bogota Colombia.
What is Monserrate, you ask?
Monserrate is the highest mountain in the Bogota skyline that rises to over 10,000 feet above sea level. In pre-Colombian days when the valley of Bogota was inhibited by the indigenous Muisca, the mountain was used to pay respects to one of their astronomical deities.
In the early colonial period, the Spanish Conquistadors converted the religion of the area to Roman Catholic and built their primary church in what is now know as Bolívar Square or Plaza. The Square’s location within the valley lines up directly with Monserrate and the sun of the June solstice.
Around 1620 the Brotherhood of Vera Cruz, part of the colonial Catholic church, began using the mountain for religious retreats with the archbishop’s consent. In tribute to their homeland, the brothers called the mountain Monserrate after an area near Barcelona Spain.
Today visitors access by funicular or cable car (for a fee) or the pilgrimage hiking trail (free) to see the mountain top that became a sanctuary to El Señor Caído (“The Fallen Lord”). There are sculptures lining the walkway showing the twelve stations of Jesus Christ’s final trip with the cross.
The panoramic view of Bogota Colombia from the perch of Monserrate is truly a view for the ages. The drive from the Hilton Garden Inn Bogota Airport to the base on Monserrate was only 20 minutes. One must walk up a rather steep walkway to get to the mesa which overlooks the city. Note: there is a snack bar and restrooms at this location.
On the Curious Perro YouTube Channel we have the following video, as well as other videos, attractions throughout Colombia S.A. – Monserrate In Bogota Colombia Video
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