Iglesia de la Candelaria, Bogotá

Easily overlooked, La Iglesia de la Candelaria should not be missed. If you are staying in La Candelaria, you are likely to walk by it on your way to Plaza de Boliva. It's golden exterior will certainly draw your attention if you are doing this walk in early morning light when its impressive facade is aglow. The key is to go beyond the admittedly gorgeous cover as this is one book whose cover is only the beginning. The interior is one of Bogota's most stunning with some of the most intricate woodwork of any church in town. Unfortunately, photography is not permitted and there is someone always on guard to make sure you are not tempted by its beauty. Take a seat in one of the empty pews and soak in its majesty. That much is free and worth not only making the stop for but taking a deep breath too.

One of the most beautiful churches in the Candelaria area is one that bears the same name as where it stands, Iglesia de la Candelaria. It's a recently restored yellow church in mudejar style - which reached Colombia with the Spanish conquerors.

Mudéjar is the name given to a style of Iberian architecture and decoration of the 12th to 16th centuries, which was influenced by Moorish architecture. Have a look at the choir inside to see what I mean.

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On your way to or from the Botero Museum, or if you are just going for a coffee across the street at the Juan Valdez, you will pass by this, the Church of the Candelaria.

I'm afraid that I don't really know anything about this church, other than that there are always young people hanging around here...but that is because of the Juan Valdez across the road.