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Temples #2 in Bogotá

Monasterio Benedictino El Rosal

4.8 · 480 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Monasterio Benedictino El Rosal, El Rosal, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Interesting facts
1

The monastery follows the 'Ora et Labora' tradition, balancing communal prayer times with manual labor.

2

The property is located at an altitude of approximately 2,685 meters above sea level.

3

The monastery produces artisanal products including jams, honey, and handmade wafers using traditional recipes.

4

The community maintains a strict policy of silence in certain zones to preserve the contemplative environment.

5

The monastery grounds incorporate small orchards and gardens maintained by the resident monks.

Overview

The Monasterio Benedictino El Rosal is a working Benedictine monastery located in the Cundinamarca department of Colombia, known for its monastic life and silence. The complex serves as a center for spiritual retreats and provides a space for reflection away from urban activity. The monks maintain a lifestyle following the Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasizes prayer and labor. Visitors have access to chapel services and specific areas designated for meditation. The architecture is characterized by functional, minimalist construction designed to integrate into the surrounding high-plateau landscape. The monastery is known for producing artisanal products, such as preserves and baked goods, often sold to support the community. It remains an active religious site rather than a public tourist attraction, requiring guests to respect the quietude of the grounds.

Photo spot

The exterior courtyard providing a view of the chapel's clean, geometric architecture against the mountain backdrop.

Insider tips

Contact the monastery in advance if you intend to participate in a retreat or specific religious service.

Dress in modest, comfortable layers to account for the cool, shifting mountain temperatures.

Purchase the artisanal products at the onsite shop, as these directly support the monastery's upkeep.

What to avoid

Treating the grounds as a casual park; this is a functioning religious community and not a public recreation area.

Good to know

The monastery may close to public visitors during specific internal retreat weeks or religious holidays.

Etiquette

Maintain silence, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, and refrain from photography inside the chapel.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon to experience the peace of the grounds during the monks' prayer cycle.
Address
Monasterio Benedictino El Rosal, El Rosal, Cundinamarca, Colombia
4.863, -74.265
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleFunctionalist Minimalist
Spiritual FocusBenedictine Contemplative

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning or late afternoon to experience the peace of the grounds during the monks' prayer cycle..

The exterior courtyard providing a view of the chapel's clean, geometric architecture against the mountain backdrop.

Close by you'll find El Rosal Main Park, Parque de La Familia, Parque Bolonia.