The ruins of the Hermitage of La Peña They are located behind the Hill of the Crossan elevation visible from the east of Bogotá.
News Colombia.
Behind the Cerro de la Cruz, between chasms and little-traveled paths, remain the ruins of the Ermita de La Peña, a temple built in the 17th century and abandoned in 1947 due to the difficult access and security conditions in the eastern hills of Bogotá.
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To reach the ruins it is necessary to request police accompanimentdue to the environmental conditions and the risks associated with the ascent. The road, although close to usual trails, is characterized by chasms and high-risk areas that historically made access difficult.
From the point where the hermitage is located, you can get a wide panoramic view of the city of Bogotá, which historically turned the site into a strategic and spiritual point.
History of the temple
The Hermitage of La Peña was a Catholic temple that remained in operation until 1947. Its origin has two widely spread versions:
- Official version:
It indicates that the temple was built in 1686 and which subsequently received a renewal in 1715. During these years, it functioned as an active religious point in the eastern hills. - Popular version:
He points out that a former Spanish prisoner would have carved images of the Holy Family on some rocks located near the edge of the hill. After trying to lower them without success, he managed to move them only to the point where the hermitage was finally built.
Reasons for abandonment
The temple was abandoned in 1947 mainly for logistical and security reasons.
The access road had multiple chasms and it was common for the beasts of burden fell during the ascent. Some accounts also record fatal accidents with priests who arrived on horseback.
Due to these difficulties, the Church decided to transfer only the sacred images to the monastery of La Chiquinquirá (La Chiquin)where they currently remain. After this relocation, the hermitage stopped being used and was left in a state of abandonment.
Current status
Today, the ruins of the Hermitage of La Peña are deteriorated and marked by urban interventions such as graffiti. Although they no longer serve a religious function, they represent a significant historical vestige of the temples that formerly existed in the mountains of Bogotá.
This place continues to be a point of interest for researchers, walkers and entities dedicated to ecotourism, especially for its historical value and the privileged view it offers over the city.
