Bogotá catholics have been asked not to come to the city’s ‘mountain
church’, Monserrate, during the upcoming holy week. Authorities say
that the path that leads to the church is not safe enough.
Monserrate dominates Bogotá’s skyline, and offers spectacular views over the city. Every day, hundreds of tourists and locals visit the church by either walking up, or by using the cable railway or cable cars.
While these last two ways of transport remain available, the Diocese of Bogotá gave in to demands from the city and asked people to avoid the path. Recently, it was pointed out that several sections of the path are at risk of collapsing and a large amount of people would cause great danger.
“Many people have the tradition of climbing up bare-foot, but I tell them that this year, the sacrifice is to stay away from Monserrate, or that people who wish to do so, use the railway or cable cars,” said priest José Daniel Falla.
To allow people to visit the ‘Fallen Lord of Monserrate’, the image will be moved to the Primada Cathedral, located next to the senate on Bolívar Square, during the Holy Week. It is only the fourth time that the image is to be relocated to the cathedral, the most recent occasion being in 1998.