Girón: Colombia's Perfectly Preserved Colonial Town
Girón — 10 km from Bucaramanga — is Colombia's best-preserved 17th-century colonial town; declared a National Monument, the white tapia pisada architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the Río de Oro waterfront are extraordinary
- 1
Tapia Pisada Architecture
Girón's distinctive architecture - the tapia pisada technique with compacted mud walls, painted white - is the most complete example in Colombia; the thick walls, wide eaves and interior patios create a colonial domestic architecture of great beauty
- 2
Plaza Principal
Girón's main square – with the colonial Basílica del Señor de los Milagros, Capilla de las Nieves and Casa de la Cultura – is one of Colombia's most harmonious colonial urban spaces; the whitewashed facades and the church tower define the aesthetics of the colonial city
- 3
Río de Oro Waterfront
The Río de Oro — flowing below Girón's historic center — has a colonial bridge and the river streets where Girón's social life is concentrated; the waterfront with its colonial houses, the bridge and the river's reflections is the city's most photogenic view
- 4
Puente Colonial (Colonial Bridge)
Girón's colonial stone bridge over the Río de Oro – built in the 17th century – is the most visited monument; the bridge, the old mill and the view back to the white city make it Girón's most iconic image
- 5
Antique shops and handicrafts
Girón's commercial streets feature antique shops selling colonial furniture, religious art and Santander handicrafts; the city has become an antiques market for the Bucaramanga region and the quality and variety of offerings is significant
- 6
Girón Weekend Market
The weekend market in Girón's square – with food stalls selling horned culona, bocadillo and mute – is the city's liveliest moment; the combination of colonial architecture, market energy and river views make a weekend visit to Girón one of Colombia's finest day trips