Bogotá’s proud symbol – and convenient point of reference – is the white-church-topped 3152m Monserrate peak flanking the city’s east, about 1.5km from La Candelaria and visible from most parts across Sabana de Bogotá (Bogotá savannah; sometimes called the valley). The top has gorgeous views of the 1700-sq-km capital sprawl. On a clear day you can even spot the symmetrical cone of Nevado del Tolima, part of Los Nevados volcanic range in the Cordillera Central, 135km west.
The church up top is a major mecca for pilgrims, due to its altar statue of the Señor Caído (Fallen Christ), dating from the 1650s, to which many miracles have been attributed. The church was erected after the original chapel was destroyed by an earthquake in 1917.
