The church's original 18th-century predecessor was a simple straw-roofed chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.
The interior contains a 19th-century altar imported from Italy crafted of white marble.
The church features a distinctive carillon of bells imported from France.
Its stained glass windows were crafted in Amsterdam and installed during the 1930s.
The structure survived the 1925 earthquake, but the original tower collapsed, necessitating the current design.
The church is located on the site of a colonial-era religious hermitage that served the local river port workers.
Iglesia La Ermita is a representative example of Gothic Revival architecture in Cali, modeled after the Ulm Minster in Germany. The current structure, completed in 1942, replaced an earlier 18th-century chapel destroyed by an earthquake in 1925. It is situated along the banks of the Cali River, serving as a primary visual landmark of the city's historical district. The interior houses historical religious art, including 18th-century images of the Lord of the River and the Virgin of Sorrows brought from Spain. Its exterior is characterized by white facade accents and a tall, slender central spire. The building utilizes reinforced concrete construction techniques typical of the early 20th-century period. It remains a functioning Catholic parish church holding daily services.
From the pedestrian bridge (Puente Ortiz) looking south toward the church facade.
Visit during late afternoon to capture the golden light hitting the river-facing facade.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Boulevard del Río.
Check the exterior architectural details for the intricate gargoyles and geometric motifs.
Do not linger in the area immediately surrounding the riverbank after dark.
Maintain silence during active religious services; modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected.
