-The oldest church in Spanish America and the first tomb of the Liberator, Simon Bolivar.
From the oldest church in Spanish America, The Patroness-Our Lady, of Santa Marta looks down from the High Alter of the Cathedral of Santa Marta. Known as the Minor Basilica, and built in 1766, the construction took 30 years. This beautiful Renaissance style building was the first tomb of the Liberator Simon Bolivar, and held his remains until 1842. Other rulers, bishops and leaders of Santa Marta, such as Donn Rodrigo de Bastidas, city founder, are also entombed within the Cathedral.
