Santa Marta Cathedral Tours and Activities

Santa Marta Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Santa Marta Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Santa Marta Cathedral showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral


Walk around the cathedral that holds the remains of the city’s founder and claims to be the oldest church in the country. 

The Santa Marta Cathedral stakes its claim as the oldest church in Colombia and houses the remains of the city’s founder. The church has been renovated many times over the centuries and comprises several architectural styles. The church sits in the city’s main plaza, surrounded by restaurants, bars and other historical buildings. Make this church your reference point since it stands out as a stark contrast against the small buildings around the city.

Admire the white façade of colonial design. Take photos of the immaculate church against the bright blue sky. Marvel at the large tower with a spire. The cathedral has many windows and a large wooden portal as its main entrance.

See the ashes of the founder of Santa Marta, Rodrigo de Bastidas, on the left as you walk into the cathedral. The Spanish conquistador died in the early 16th century after mapping a large portion of the continent’s northern coast. The cathedral is also the initial burial site for Simón Bolívar, the military leader who led several South American countries to independence.

Learn about the history of Santa Marta through the various plaques and commemorations inside the church while you relish the refreshing shelter from the midday heat. Gaze up at the elaborate chandeliers hanging from the arched ceiling. The cathedral is full of arches, domes, columns and an elaborate altar in the centre.

The cathedral was built in 1765 and took a further 30 years to complete due to constant attacks by English, Dutch and French pirates. They ransacked and burned the town on more than 20 occasions.

The Santa Marta Cathedral is located in the Historic Centre of Santa Marta. It is three blocks east from the main beach and the International Marina. Take a 45-minute bus journey from the city’s main bus terminal to the centre of Santa Marta. You can also take an 11.2-mile (18-kilometre) taxi journey from the Simón Bolívar Airport.

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Top Santa Marta Cathedral Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta

3.5 out of 5
Carrera 1C No. 24-04, Santa Marta
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta

AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta

3.5 out of 5
CALLE 23 NO. 1C - 79, Santa Marta
AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta
Hotel Puerto Pelicano

Hotel Puerto Pelicano

3 out of 5
Cl. 16 #2 - 39, Centro, Santa Marta, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Hotel Puerto Pelicano
MuchoSur Santa Marta

MuchoSur Santa Marta

3 out of 5
Calle 12 # 1c 50, Santa Marta
MuchoSur Santa Marta
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina

Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina

4 out of 5
Calle 12 # 3-40, Centro Histórico, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina
Casa de Leda, a Kali Hotel

Casa de Leda, a Kali Hotel

4 out of 5
Calle 18 #4-38, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Casa de Leda, a Kali Hotel
Soy Local Santa Marta

Soy Local Santa Marta

4 out of 5
8-27 Cl. 19, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Soy Local Santa Marta
Hotel Catedral Plaza

Hotel Catedral Plaza

3 out of 5
Calle 16 N 5-17, Santa Marta
Hotel Catedral Plaza
Hostal La Minita de Oro

Hostal La Minita de Oro

3 out of 5
Calle 19 #6-24, Centro Histórico, 8, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Hostal La Minita de Oro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.