Mongui: Craftsmanship, Architecture and Landscape

Mongui can be explored through different themes: the monumental complex of the Basílica and Convento de Nuestra Señora de Monguí, the making of balls, and the landscape of the Páramo de Ocetá. These highlights differ considerably. Buildings tell stories of architecture and engineering, ball-making follows a specific process, and the Páramo is defined by its plants and rock formations.

Architecture and historic engineering

The Basílica and Convento de Nuestra Señora de Monguí form a monumental complex dating from the 17th century. It is made of calicanto and decorated with stone and wood carvings, as well as more than 130 paintings. Its construction period, materials and design offer different points of interest for anyone interested in architecture: the complex combines a clear historical context with specific craft and artistic details.

The carvings in two materials and the large number of paintings make the complex a multifaceted cultural subject beyond its designation as a monumental building. The Puente de Alicanto offers a different perspective. It is a National Monument and a colonial-era engineering structure used to cross the El Morro River. While architecture and design come together at the Basílica and Convento, the bridge’s engineering function takes center stage.

Ball-making, step by step

In Mongui, visitors can learn about the ball-making process step by step. The demonstration involves several stages: first, the leather is tanned and covered by hand. It is then cut according to a pattern and sewn with nylon thread and beeswax. The ball is then shaped, cleaned and printed; a natural lacquer coating completes the described manufacturing process.

This makes it possible to see ball-making as a sequence of specific tasks, from prepared leather to the finished surface. Anyone interested in craftsmanship can gain a different perspective on Mongui than they would from its architecture alone. If you would like to include a demonstration in your plans, check in advance whether one is offered at the time of your visit.

Páramo de Ocetá: plants and rocks

Frailejones and senecios shape the landscape of the Páramo de Ocetá. It is also home to a rock formation called “la ciudad perdida” or “ciudad de piedra.” Both names refer to the same formation; the rocks are more than 15 meters high. The Páramo thus offers two distinct landscape features: its characteristic vegetation and a striking rock formation.

For travel planning, these highlights differ mainly in the kind of interest they offer: the Basílica and Convento, along with the Puente de Alicanto, represent architecture and engineering; ball-making showcases a craft process; and the Páramo focuses on plants and rocks. You can decide how to explore Mongui based on which of these perspectives interests you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ráquira, Paipa, Guacamayas, Puerto Boyaca, Susacón, Tunja, El Cocuy, Cómbita

For the main travel overview: Boyacá.