History
History of Barichara: the Virgin of the rock and the heritage town
The name comes from the Guane language and, according to Father Isaías Ardila Díaz, means place of rest.
Timeline
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1702 | A farmer sees an image of the Virgin carved on a stone, according to legend |
| 1751 | The parish is founded; the name goes from Vare Florence to Vara Echada and then Barichara |
| 1876 | Aquileo Parra, born here, becomes president of the United States of Colombia |
| 1888 | Guane stops being a municipality and joins Barichara |
| 1978 | Decree 1654: the historic center becomes a National Monument |
| 2010 | It joins the Heritage Towns tourism network |
| 2021 | Its architecture inspires settings in Disney's Encanto |
The Guane people
Before colonial times, the region was Guane territory. At Móncora, today's Guane, the Spanish gathered the surviving indigenous people from the early seventeenth century, and the Camino Real was laid over their old trail.
A town made of stone
Streets, houses, churches and the cemetery use the local yellow stone, and many houses are rammed earth, soil packed between wooden forms. The 1978 declaration describes it as a good example of informal Andalusian-style urban growth, with its original layout and late eighteenth century buildings well preserved.
The rock legend explains the dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. National media often call it the prettiest town in Colombia, a popular nickname rather than an official title.
Frequently asked questions
What does Barichara mean?
Was Encanto filmed in Barichara?
Sources
Checked on October 20, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.