Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, Popayan Travel Guide

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, also known as Popayán Cathedral, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The cathedral stands out from other churches in Popayán with its architectural style. Originally constructed in adobe, the cathedral was destroyed in 1566. The cathedral was rebuilt with a neoclassical facade and a 131-foot high dome.Construction on the Cathedral Basilica began in 1540, and was completed in 1682, marking the establishment of Spanish religious presence in the region. Pope Pius XII granted the cathedral the liturgical title of Basilica Menor in 1953. The historic area of Popayán, including the cathedral, was declared a Colombia National Monument in 1959. The building features white stone walls, grand columns, and symmetrical design elements. Inside, visitors can find an ornate altar and a large crucifix known as the “Cristo de la Veracruz”.Visitors can attend daily mass services. The cathedral once housed the Crown of the Andes, until it was moved to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.