Wandering in the center of the Colombian city of Cúcuta, it may sometimes seem that you are in Europe. It often happens so when you pass by the Cathedral of San Jose de Cúcuta, Cúcuta’s main cathedral.

The edifice is built of gray stone in the typical Romanesque style. Its impressive facade, rosette tracery above the entrance, and symmetrical crosses on the two towers remind one of the cathedrals in European cities. The building impresses with its size, exterior and interior decorations.

The interior is also typically Romanesque. Everything is moderate, minimalistic. Only the flamboyant stained glass under the ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and canvases of famous Cúcuta painter Salvador Moreno may disturb one in prayers. The ceiling also has very picturesque mosaics. All those wishing to can venerate the relics of the first Bishop of Cúcuta, Monsenor Luis Hernandez. Because of the whiteness of the walls inside the church, it feels cool and light.

One can hide from the city center’s hustle behind the massive doors of the Cathedral of San Jose. Another reason why it feels so great is that there are not so many people in the church. Nobody will distract you from examining the mosaics, stained glass windows, and three-meters high statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

The cathedral’s construction was launched in 1889. Previously, there was a smaller temple, which was destroyed during the earthquake in 1875. Locals urged the government to recover the old church, restore what nature had destroyed, but it was decided to erect a new cathedral instead. The construction of the new cathedral was completed in 50 years.

If you visit it during the daytime, make sure to come again in the evening. A seemingly restrained building is illuminated with a bright green color. Both bell towers are furnished with additional illumination, and thanks to it the cathedral works as a symbolic lighthouse to all the tourists wandering in Cúcuta. The lights revive the image of the edifice.

The Cathedral of San Jose in Cúcuta is on the list of the most beautiful churches of the city and the country as well. You have to visit it to enjoy the peace that its massive walls offer its visitors.