Capilla de las Nieves Girón
A beautifully preserved 17th-century colonial chapel in Girón, Santander, featuring a unique straw roof and cobblestone floors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance
Capilla de las Nieves Girón
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 17th-century colonial chapel in Girón, Santander, featuring a unique straw roof and cobblestone floors.
"It's a beautiful place where one loses oneself in the past, amazed by its beauty."
🤫 Respect During Services
Be mindful of ongoing masses or events; side door noise can be audible.
🚶♀️ Explore the Plaza
The chapel is in a lovely small square, perfect for a leisurely walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Architecture
Main structure
Marvel at the 17th-century Spanish colonial design, featuring a straw roof and original cobblestone floors.
Historical Sculptures & Decorations
Interior
Discover well-preserved sculptures and decorations dating back to the early 1600s, offering a tangible link to the past.
Plaza Setting
Surrounding square
Enjoy a peaceful stroll in the charming small square adjacent to the chapel, perfect for reflection and photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into Colonial Charm
Best Time to Visit for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Respect During Services
Be mindful of ongoing masses or events; side door noise can be audible.
🚶♀️ Explore the Plaza
The chapel is in a lovely small square, perfect for a leisurely walk.
📸 Capture Colonial Beauty
The chapel's architecture is a dream for photographers, especially during softer light.
🍦 Refreshments Nearby
Grab some ice cream or a cholado to cool off after your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Respect During Services
Be mindful of ongoing masses or events; side door noise can be audible.
🚶♀️ Explore the Plaza
The chapel is in a lovely small square, perfect for a leisurely walk.
📸 Capture Colonial Beauty
The chapel's architecture is a dream for photographers, especially during softer light.
🍦 Refreshments Nearby
Grab some ice cream or a cholado to cool off after your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Capilla de las Nieves for its stunning colonial architecture and well-preserved historical details, offering a beautiful glimpse into the past. Its charming location in a small square and proximity to Bucaramanga are also highlighted as major advantages. Some note that noise from passing cars can be audible during services, suggesting a need for greater consideration during mass.
"Very beautiful architecture of the years of the colonization of the Spanish over this little beautiful town of Giron.
It remains all or most of the original sculptures and decorations of the near years 1600.
It is really awesome to see how before the churches where originally over this department of Santander. It is good to know that Giron is at just 20 or 25 minutes of the capital city Bucaramanga, and you're going to have a some good options of icecream and cholado to refresh you."
JOSE DAVID CANO
"It's a church built in 1613, according to the information I was given at the parish church. Its roof is made of straw and its floor is cobblestone. It's located in a small square, very nice for walking. There are many good restaurants in the surrounding area."
M. S.
"Very pretty and well-preserved, perhaps they should close the side door during masses or events because the noise of cars is very audible."
vanessa malaver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Capilla de las Nieves is conveniently located in Girón, just a short 20-25 minute drive from Bucaramanga, the capital city of Santander. You can easily take a taxi or a local bus for a quick and affordable journey.
While specific parking lots aren't highlighted, the surrounding streets and the nearby plaza generally offer parking options. It's advisable to arrive a bit early to find a convenient spot, especially on busier days.
Girón is a charming town, and if you're staying nearby, walking to the Capilla de las Nieves is a pleasant option. The chapel is situated in a small, walkable square, making it easily accessible on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Capilla de las Nieves is typically free, as it is a functioning church. Donations are always appreciated to help with its upkeep and preservation.
The chapel is generally open to visitors, but hours can vary, especially around religious services. It's best to check locally or visit during daylight hours when it's most likely to be accessible.
While weddings are frequently held here,
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially during services.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, ideal for capturing the chapel's colonial charm. Early mornings can also offer a serene atmosphere with fewer people.
The front facade with its distinctive architecture is a popular subject. Don't forget to capture the details of the straw roof and the surrounding plaza for a more complete perspective.
Its historical and architectural beauty makes it perfect for architectural photography, cultural heritage shots, and even romantic pre-wedding or engagement photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area surrounding the chapel and the main square in Girón offers several good restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine.
After visiting the chapel, you can cool off with some delicious ice cream or a refreshing cholado from nearby vendors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the chapel itself is a quiet place, the surrounding town of Girón offers a more lively atmosphere with parks and local life that families can explore. It's a good stop on a day trip that combines a bit of history with simple pleasures.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Take your time to absorb the details and imagine life centuries ago. The chapel's dedication to Our Lady of the Snows also adds a layer of religious history to explore. Its proximity to Bucaramanga makes it an easily accessible historical excursion from the city.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Many wedding photographers and cultural documentarians are drawn to this location,
+4 so you'll find plenty of inspiration online. Capture the details, the textures, and the overall ambiance to create compelling visual stories of this colonial gem.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Colonial History
The chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows (Virgen de las Nieves), a devotion that has historical roots. Its location in a small, charming square further enhances its appeal, providing a tranquil setting for contemplation and appreciation of its historical significance. The presence of original sculptures and decorations dating back to the 1600s adds another layer of historical depth, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the artistry and religious practices of centuries past.
While the chapel is a place of worship, it also serves as a popular venue for weddings and ceremonies,
+4 highlighting its enduring beauty and importance in the community. This dual role as a historical monument and an active religious site makes the Capilla de las Nieves a unique and valuable destination for cultural tourism. Its proximity to Bucaramanga also makes it an easily accessible day trip for those wishing to explore the historical richness of Santander. Capturing the Essence: Photography at Capilla de las Nieves
When photographing the chapel, consider framing shots that include the surrounding plaza to give context to its setting. The intricate details of the original decorations inside, if accessible and permitted, can also make for compelling close-up shots. Remember to be respectful of any ongoing services or events, and always check if flash photography is allowed.
Social media content often showcases the chapel's beauty, with creators highlighting its iconic status within Girón. Whether you're an amateur or a professional, the Capilla de las Nieves offers ample opportunities to create stunning visual narratives of colonial charm and historical preservation.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit