Iglesia de San Antonio is a small whitewashed church on top of San Antonio Hill, west of Cali's historic center. It was built in 1747 and is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Inside, you can see 17th-century carved wooden saints in the Quito School style. The church sits in a small park with shade trees and benches, and from the hilltop you get wide views over the city. Come in the early morning for quiet, or in the evening for the street scene around the park.
A church from 1747 on San Antonio Hill
Iglesia de San Antonio was built in 1747, when Cali had fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and sits on the hill known as Colina de San Antonio, west of the old city center. It is one of the city's colonial buildings, with a simple brick and whitewashed front.
The hill gives the church its setting. The surrounding San Antonio neighborhood mixes old colonial houses with small shops, galleries and restaurants, and its streets are full of color and artwork.
Inside the church
The interior keeps original elements from the 1700s. The main altar is in the Baroque style and carries colonial-era paintings. The most valuable pieces are the tallas quiteñas, carved wooden statues of saints from the 17th century, made in the style of the Quito School. The church is small, so the figures are close enough to study slowly.
Many people come here to pray, and the statue of Saint Anthony is a focus for them. Keep your voice low, give worshippers room, and ask before photographing anyone at prayer.
The park and the view
The church sits in a small park with shade trees, benches and gardens. It is a good spot for birdwatching and for slow mornings. From the top of the hill, the view takes in much of the city. In the early morning, the hill is much quieter than the streets below.
The climb involves many steps, and the hill gets very hot around midday, so plan the walk for morning or late afternoon.
Evenings and weekends
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, performers, storytellers and vendors gather around the park. Vendors sell snacks, candy, roasted corn, handicrafts and trinkets, so you can buy something as you walk. Weekend nights are the busiest time, when friends meet in the park.
In December, the park is lit with Christmas lights, and the area has activities every evening. Later at night, the area becomes quiet.
Getting there and eating nearby
A paid parking lot is on site, along with a wheelchair accessible parking lot. Shops and restaurants surround the park, which makes the church a good stop for a midday or early evening break.
Parador San Antonio, a short walk down the hill, serves empanadas and ají, a homemade Colombian hot sauce. La Boheme, a tapas bar built into the hillside, is also nearby, with craft beer on the menu.
FAQ
Is the church open every day?
Yes, it is open every day of the week. Check the page for the current hours before you go.
Is there parking?
Yes. There is a paid parking lot and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning is quiet and suits a relaxed look at the church and the view. Thursday to Saturday evenings bring performers and vendors, and weekend nights are the busiest.
Is it a steep walk up?
The church is at the top of a hill, and the route involves many steps. The area gets very hot around midday, so morning or late afternoon is more comfortable.
