San Antonio Church
Carrera 10 Esquina Calle 1 E., Cali, Valle del Cauca
With its white adobe façade, red-brick tower, and an entryway fronted by a set of crumbling stone steps, Cali’s humble San Antonio Church (Iglesia de San Antonio) stands in stark contrast to the fanciful Metropolitan Cathedral just a few blocks east. Perched on a small hill in the lively historic district of San Antonio, the church affords beautiful views of the city.
The basics
San Antonio Church is Cali’s oldest church, opening its doors in 1747. Today, it houses a museum of art and artifacts, most notably a collection of tallas quiteñas—17th-century wooden statues of saints carved by artists of the Quito School. Thanks to its historical significance, San Antonio Church regularly features on Cali sightseeing tours, which typically combine a visit with stops at La Ermita Church (Iglesia La Ermita), Caycedo Square (Plaza de Caicedo), and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Things to know before you go
Admission to San Antonio Church is free.
The cobbled steps leading to the entrance of the church mean that the church is inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
The church is a religious site, so be sure to keep your voice low and dress respectfully.
How to get there
The nearest bus stop to San Antonio Church is in Comuna 3: Kr 3 entre Cl 1 Oe y 2 Oe. It’s serviced by buses A02 and A06; from there, it’s a 10-minute walk uphill to the church. To skip the hassle of public transport, opt for a sightseeing tour that includes transportation.
When to get there
San Antonio Church is open from early morning until the middle of the evening, Monday through Sunday. Avoid visiting in the middle of the day, when the tropical heat makes the uphill walk to the church more strenuous. Its elevated location means it offers panoramic views of the city, so visit at sunset to capture atmospheric photos.
Exploring Cali’s San Antonio neighborhood
Hailed as Cali’s bohemian epicenter, San Antonio is a creative hub that attracts Cali’s artists. Wander the cobbled streets—rife with 18th-century architecture and street food vendors—before sampling premium Colombian coffee in a quirky café and tasting classic Valley of Cauca dishes in a local restaurant.
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