Barichara

About

Barichara began as a humble chapel and handful of houses that were built near the site where the Virgin Mary appeared on a limestone rock in 1702. By the end of the century, a full-fledged village had grown around the site, dominated by a cathedral built from the same yellow sandstone that the Virgin Mary appeared on. Inside, you’ll find colorful tiled floors, a remarkable wood and bamboo ceiling, and opulent gilded altar piece. While the Cathedral is the main monument in town, you’ll want to wander the cobbled streets, past the whitewashed houses with their red tile roofs and colorful accents to really see why it’s named “Colombia’s Most Beautiful Village”. While the entire region is famous in Colombia for its cuisine, Barichara is a stand-out for foodies looking to try traditional dishes, which can range from sun-dried steak and grilled goat to fried, giant ants, which are best described as something between peanuts and popcorn.