An open-air museum with views of the mountains and the canyon of the Suárez River is the Parque de las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra, located next to the chapel of Santa Bárbara, in the upper part of Barichara.

This place, which was opened to the public in 1998, features a path lined with twenty-two sculptures carved in stone by artists from the region and eleven countries.

Barichara is part of Colombia’s network of 17 Heritage Towns. Its colonial buildings and cobblestone streets serve as a faithful witness to the memory and history of our nation. Recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Colombia since 1978, it is nestled among the landscapes of the Santander mountains. It can be reached by land from Bogotá (a six-and-a-half-hour drive) or from Bucaramanga (a three-hour drive).

In addition to the white façades of its houses and colonial churches, Barichara is surrounded by an artistic atmosphere that gives it a cultural character, which can be felt upon arrival. Art workshops, handicraft stores, bookstores, and bohemian restaurants open their doors to let visitors enjoy the special ambiance of this town, built on sun-colored rock.

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Before colonization, the area belonged to the Guane indigenous people, who were known for their extraordinary skill in crafting handicrafts, as well as wood and stone carvings. The stone-carving technique from the region’s quarries has been preserved since then and passed down from generation to generation.

Incredible Places in Barichara!

One of the most attractive places in town, combining the natural beauty of the area, its indigenous and colonial history, and the artistic expressions of various contemporary masters, is the Parque de las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra.

It was built in 1998 to preserve the local handicraft industry and to pay tribute to the stone carvers who have diligently preserved and transmitted this ancestral technique inherited from the indigenous communities of the region. It was also created with the purpose of honoring water, the sacred element that gives rise to various forms of life.

That same year, the José María Delgado Foundation organized the “Stone Carving Festival,” a competition aimed at preserving local identity. The event gathered participants from the region as well as from countries like Italy, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Israel, England, Sweden, and Peru, where large stones were sculpted with the sole requirement that water must be able to flow through them.

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The result is twenty-two works inspired by indigenous mythology that are displayed throughout the park. In this cultural and artistic hub of the town, the carved sculptures blend harmoniously with the flowing waters of an artificial stream.

Barichara is both the birthplace and home of renowned artists, and this park is a testament to its cultural spirit. The sensation evoked by contemplating these beautiful pieces is enhanced by the gentle breeze that flows at the viewpoint overlooking the Suárez River Canyon. A green mountain panorama is immortalized daily through the photographs of thousands of visitors who step into this magical place.

Within the park, there is an open-air theater built of stone for performances, as well as terraces offering a peaceful view of the region.

The cobblestone path that runs through the park speaks, through its surroundings, of the importance of preserving the ancient tradition of stone carving and the value of revealing the beautiful figures hidden within the stone.

Come to Barichara and immerse yourself in our culture by exploring the Parque de las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra.