Casa Terracota: A World's Largest Pottery Masterpiece
Explore Casa Terracota in Villa de Leyva: the world's largest piece of pottery, an architectural marvel blending art and sustainability.
Casa Terracota is an extraordinary house and art project by Colombian architect Octavio Mendoza, located just outside Villa de Leyva. Often called the 'Casa de Flintstones' by locals, this architectural marvel is made entirely of clay and spans 5,400 square feet, making it the largest pottery structure in the world. Mendoza began building Casa Terracota in 1999, driven by a dream to create an alternative, eco-friendly living space in harmony with its environment. He drew inspiration from his grandmother's adobe house and sought to blend architecture with pottery. The house was constructed using only earth, without any steel or cement reinforcements. Mendoza baked the clay by building an oven around sections of the house and burning coal for weeks until the clay hardened into resistant ceramic. Inside, visitors can explore the curved clay walls that seamlessly connect each room, discovering a fully functional kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The furniture is also crafted from clay, and metal art pieces accent the space. The building is powered by solar panels, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. Casa Terracota is not only a tourist attraction but also a space for art talks and workshops, hosting an artist in residence each year.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven clay surfaces.
- Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
- Bring cash for the entrance fee, as card payments may not always be available.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the interior temperature can vary.
- Combine your visit with a tour of Villa de Leyva to experience the town's colonial charm.
A brief summary to Casa Terracota
- Vereda Monquira, Villa de Leyva, Boyaca, CO
- +573242590225
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4:50 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-4:50 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-4:50 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-4:50 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-4:50 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From Villa de Leyva's main square, walk approximately 22 minutes. Head out of town on the road to Altamira, taking the first right turn after leaving town. Continue on this road until you see the entrance to Casa Terracota, marked by two stone walls. There are no mandatory access fees.
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Public Transport
From Villa de Leyva, take a bus towards Casa de Barro (Casa Terracota). Buses can be found at the bus station or identified by a sign in the windshield. The bus will drop you off near the entrance. The bus fare is approximately 2,000-3,000 COP. There are no additional access fees.
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Taxi
Take a taxi from Villa de Leyva's main square. The ride is approximately 10 minutes. A taxi ride will cost around 8,000-12,000 COP. There are no additional access fees.
