The Santa Bárbara de Usaquén Parish Church and the foundational plaza were the epicenter of the founding of the town of Usaquén during the Colonial era. The Parish, located to the northeast of Bogotá, was born in 1665 in an indigenous context, becoming the central axis of the evangelization process and cultural development of this area inhabited by the Muisca people of Usaquén during the pre-Hispanic era.
Although its precise location is unknown, it is presumed that the current temple occupies the same site where it was originally erected or became a parish after 1759 with the abolition of the indigenous reservations. Upon the arrival of the Spanish settlers, this community was displaced to Soacha while the colonists created the foundational settlement around the central square, where the parish church was erected.
Initially administered by Dominican friars during the first two centuries, the Archdiocese of Bogota granted its administration to the Eudist Fathers more than a century ago, who since then have accompanied the parishioners of this architectural jewel of Bogota with more than 350 years of history. Throughout its three centuries of history, this church has undergone numerous interventions and renovations, mainly in its roof structure, floors, windows and interior niches, giving shape to the emblematic temple that can be seen today in the heart of the Usaquén district.
