“Did you know that La Ermita wasn’t always the striking Gothic church we see today?” It’s a jewel nestled on the edge of the Cali River. La Ermita stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and architectural grandeur.
Originally, La Ermita was a humble straw structure. It was built in the early 17th century. This modest chapel was dedicated to Our Lady of Solitude and the Lord of the Cane. Imagine a simple sanctuary near the riverbank.
A painting by Farfán captured this early version of La Ermita. It resembled other churches in the Cauca Valley at the time. This simple building served the community for centuries.
Then disaster struck. The earthquake of 1925 devastated Cali. La Ermita was reduced to rubble. Only the image of the Lord of the Cane survived. The city mourned the loss of its beloved church.
But from the ashes rose a new vision. In 1942, construction began on the La Ermita we see today. This time, it would be a neo-Gothic masterpiece. The architects drew inspiration from Ulm Cathedral in Germany. This architectural style was popular for churches in the Americas.
La Ermita is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. Inside, the church safeguards the antique image of the Lord of the Cane on the left side altar. Both the main altar and the Lord of the Cane altar are crafted from white marble. The stained glass windows depict the apostles.
Many architectural elements were brought from overseas. The bells were cast in Levallois near Paris, France. The clock came from Amsterdam. Today it is not working. The stained-glass windows depicting the twelve apostles also came from Amsterdam. The iron gates were crafted in Cali in 1937. Students from the municipal school of arts and crafts made them.
La Ermita has three naves covered with ribbed vaults. The arches in the side sections feature rosettes. Frescoes of intertwined arches adorn the small decorative columns. These are some of La Ermita’s most distinctive features.
Inside La Ermita, you can find some of the oldest images. These are over three centuries old. They include Our Lady of Sorrows, Christ of the Cane, Saint Joseph, and Mary Magdalene. Also featured are Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Anthony, and Ecce Homo. These images capture the attention of visitors.
Currently, the bell tower is being restored. The lighting has been updated. There are plans to restore the paint and spires. The spires are the crosses at the top of the roof.
Despite the ongoing renovations, La Ermita remains open to visitors. You can still see the archaeological objects inside. Every year, many tourists visit La Ermita. Its location on the banks of the Cali River is extraordinary.
At night, La Ermita is specially lit. This creates a beautiful scene. It is a source of regional pride. The red brick facade gives a rustic feel. It envelops visitors in peace.
Visiting La Ermita is more than a spiritual experience. It connects you to Cali’s rich culture. It offers a space for reflection away from the city’s hustle. You can learn about Cali’s history and architecture through this monument. Sometimes concerts and exhibitions take place here.
La Ermita is more than a building. It embodies faith, history, and art. Its architectural beauty and cultural significance make it a must-see. When in Cali, explore La Ermita. Let its magical atmosphere inspire you.