Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario

A Beautiful Church in Itaguï

Colombia is home to numerous stunning churches, each with its unique charm. Among these architectural wonders is Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a notable Roman Catholic church located in the picturesque municipality of Itagüí, just south of the city of Medellín. If you are interested in exploring old and historic churches, this one should be on your must-visit list.

The History of the Church

The history of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario dates back to 1743 when the territory of Itagüí was considered part of the parish of Iglesia de Santa Gertrudis in Envigado. However, the challenging terrain and lack of proper roads made it arduous for the residents of Itagüí to reach Envigado, especially during the rainy season when crossing the Medellín River was even more difficult.

After much perseverance, Itagüí was granted permission to construct its own church at the end of 1743. Finally, in 1825, the parish of Nuestra Señora del Rosario began to take shape. The official decree creating a new parish under the invocation of Our Lady of the Rosary was issued by Monsignor Fray Mariano Garnica and Dorjuela, the bishop of Santa Fe de Antioquia, on February 25, 1832. Father Felipe Restrepo was appointed as the first pastor and remained at the helm until his passing in 1851. Today, the church still falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Medellín.

The Beautiful Interior of the Cathedral

Stepping inside Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, visitors are greeted with an awe-inspiring sight. The church boasts a beautiful interior adorned with cream and white hues, tastefully complemented by touches of gold and burgundy trim. Wooden pews, a common feature in Colombian churches, offer a sense of tradition and historical continuity.

The church’s layout comprises three longitudinal naves and two lateral naves flanking the main altar. What sets this church apart from others in the Medellín area are the two large stained-glass skylights found in the left and right side naves, exuding a mesmerizing play of colors and light. Moreover, throughout the church, numerous other stained-glass windows add to the ethereal beauty of the space.

For art enthusiasts, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario is a treasure trove. The church houses an array of religious artwork, each piece telling its own story and adding to the spiritual ambiance of the place. Additionally, confessionals on both sides offer a place for reflection and penance.

Getting There & Parking

Metro: Take Line A of the metro south to the Itagüí metro station. From there, a short 5-minute taxi ride, costing the minimum fare, will transport you to Parque de Itagüí, where the church is located. Taxis are readily available on the western side of the metro station.

Taxi / Uber: For those who prefer the convenience of a taxi from their location, most taxi drivers in Medellín are well-acquainted with Parque principal de Itagüí’s location. If needed, simply provide the address of the church for a smooth journey.