The city of Zipaquirá, Colombia has, since ancient times, been known for its steady supply of rock salt, or halite. People there have been mining salt as far back as the 5th century BC. And to this day, salt is part of Colombia's international commerce. God has blessed their land with rich mineral deposits which have not been depleted, even after thousands of years.

Near Zipaquirá is a mountain so rich in this mineral that it is termed a halite mountain. Within the last century, this place has become famous not only across Colombia, but worldwide. This notoriety, however, is not for its wealth of salt...

Mining is a dangerous career. One can get trapped, injured or killed from falling rocks, especially those brought on by explosions. There is also the threat of breathing poisonous gases, all too common in mines.

Even in the 20th century, when new equipment could be utilized, miners were still very aware of the hazards in their line of work. So, in the early 1930s, the men working the Zipaquirán halite mountain carved a small chapel into one of its abandoned tunnels. They wisely began each day praying for protection before venturing into the mine. At the end of their long, tiring day, the men returned to their homes and families, grateful for Heaven's protection - especially that of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Nearly 20 years after this little chapel was built, the devout Colombians were inspired with an ambitious idea...

The mountain naturally has caverns and passageways, so much more so after centuries of hollowing out salt and rocks. In the 1950s, architects and builders set to work...turning raw halite caverns into the impressive naves of an underground Cathedral!

On August 15, 1954, the feast of Our Lady's assumption, the holy place was inaugurated, and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, Patroness of Miners. This impressive structure became known by all as the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

It was an incredible piece of work, a beautiful testimony of loving gratitude for Our Lady's protection. Indeed, the people had spared no expense. The equivalent of over 285 million U.S. dollars were spent in the intense construction project of this church. Large enough to hold 8,000 people, the soul-stirring place was a haven of prayer for nearly 40 years.

Unfortunately, since the church was built into a mountain that was still being mined, safety concerns arose. Thus, in September of 1992, the Salt Cathedral was shut down.
But this was not the end. Almost immediately, plans were drawn up for a new cathedral, which would be located 200 ft. below its predecessor. Working with partially dug out salt deposits, the constructors strategically excavated 250,000 tons of rock salt, fashioning new underground caverns to suit their needs.

The new Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá was inaugurated on the 16th of December, 1995, and remains in operation to this day. This underground sanctuary accommodates over 3,000 people each Sunday, which is less than a third of its full capacity. It's especially crowded during Easter.

The tunnel leading underground is dimly lit, with 14 large openings carved into the wall. This is the Cathedral's Way of the Cross. Each station has its own chapel, complete with a massive cross and block-like kneelers, all carved from their halite surroundings. The very simplicity of these rock chambers evokes a somber, prayerful attitude.

The entire underground complex is illumined by electric lights - varying artistically in color and style to set the appropriate mood. Beyond the Stations of the Cross, the impressive Cathedral opens up, its large dome illumined to look like the sky.

The altar where Mass is celebrated is a large well-chisled salt slab, and is the very same altar from the old cathedral. Because of its size and weight, it had to be divided into three parts to be transferred to the new site.

The cathedral is also well known for the massive underground cross in its main nave, standing over 50 ft. tall. The sculptures that decorate the place are hewn from marble, sandstone, and some from the salt itself. These beautiful, inspiring works include a bass-relief of the Creation of Adam, a Pieta, a large Nativity scene, a welcoming angel blowing a trumpet, and a watchful angel, overlooking the people.

The sheer size of this holy place is enough to stir the soul. It is divided into three naves (main sections for the congregation during Mass). They are designed to represent the Birth, Life and Death of Christ, and are joined together by a large crack in the wall - a striking visual of the connection between these important events.

More than 600,000 people come every year to the Salt Cathedral. By now there are modern ventilation and regular safety checks, allowing the visitors to comfortably spend many hours in awe and prayer. The experience is one to remember for a lifetime.

The whole country takes pride in this beautiful achievement. Though not officially ranked among the "Wonders of the World", the amazing Salt Cathedral has been known, since 2007, as a "Wonder of Colombia."