San Antonio Park, or Parque San Antonio, is a beloved cultural and
historical landmark nestled on a hill in the San Antonio neighborhood of Cali,
Colombia. This park is more than just a green space—it's a gathering point for
locals and visitors alike, offering panoramic views of the city and a tranquil
escape from the urban bustle. At its summit sits the
Iglesia de San Antonio, a charming colonial-era church built in 1746,
which adds a touch of baroque elegance to the park’s rustic charm.
The park is especially lively in the evenings and on weekends, when families,
couples, and street performers converge to enjoy the cool breeze and the city
lights. One of the most cherished traditions is the presence of storytellers,
who begin their performances around 7:00 p.m., captivating audiences with
tales that blend humor, folklore, and local history. During the day, vendors
line the paths selling traditional Colombian treats like champús, raspados,
and roasted corn on the cob slathered in butter.
San Antonio Park is also a hub for artistic and culinary exploration. The
surrounding neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe, with cobblestone
streets, colorful murals, and a thriving food scene. Restaurants and cafés
nearby offer everything from Pacific seafood to fusion cuisine, making it a
perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon or a romantic evening stroll. The
area’s artistic spirit is reflected in its vibrant street art, including
murals of birds and other symbols of Colombian identity.
Whether you're there to admire the sunset, listen to a storyteller, or simply
soak in the atmosphere, San Antonio Park offers a unique blend of history,
culture, and community. It’s a place where Cali’s past and present meet, where
the city’s soul is on full display, and where every visit feels like a
celebration of life in all its colorful forms.
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Monument to the Maceta (Monumento a la Maceta)
In San
Antonio Park in Cali, one of the most eye-catching and culturally rich
landmarks is the Monumento a la Maceta—a towering sculpture that
pays homage to a beloved local tradition.
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Inaugurated in 2015, this 15.6-meter-tall monument was created by
artist Diego Pombo and stands as a tribute to the maceta, a
traditional sugar cane candy gift exchanged between godparents and
godchildren on June 29th, during the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
This sweet custom, deeply rooted in Cali’s identity, was declared
Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2013.
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The monument itself is a vibrant, whimsical structure composed of 37
colorful figures arranged across seven levels, symbolizing the
spiritual and cultural significance of the number seven. These figures
include local birds, ringletes (colorful spinning pinwheels), and
sugar confections, all mounted on a steel pole designed to resemble a
maguey stalk—the traditional base of a real maceta. At the top sits a
stylized pineapple, echoing the decorative peak of the edible version.
The materials used—fiberglass, polyurethane foam, and
weather-resistant paint—ensure the sculpture withstands the elements
while maintaining its joyful appearance.
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Beyond its visual appeal, the monument is a celebration of Cali’s
community spirit and artistic heritage. It serves as a gathering point
for locals and tourists alike, especially during the annual Fiesta de
las Macetas, when the city comes alive with music, sweets, and
storytelling. The monument is not just a sculpture—it’s a symbol of
affection, tradition, and the enduring bonds between generations.
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Visiting the Maceta Monument in San Antonio Park offers more than just
a photo opportunity. It invites you to experience a piece of Cali’s
soul—where folklore, family, and flavor come together in a joyful,
larger-than-life expression of cultural pride.
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Going up the stairs to the Church of San Antonio
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Church of San Antonio (Iglesia de San Antonio)
The
Church of San Antonio (Iglesia de San Antonio) is one of Cali’s
most iconic and cherished landmarks, perched atop the scenic San Antonio
Hill in the city’s historic district.
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Built in 1746, this colonial-era chapel is a beautiful example of
baroque architecture, with its whitewashed façade, clay-tiled roof,
and a modest bell tower that rises above the surrounding treetops.
Inside, the church features a richly adorned baroque altar and
religious imagery that reflects the deep Catholic heritage of the
region.
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What makes the Church of San Antonio especially captivating is its
location and atmosphere. From its hilltop perch, visitors are treated
to panoramic views of Cali, making it a favorite spot for both
tourists and locals seeking a peaceful retreat or a romantic sunset.
The surrounding San Antonio Park is a lively cultural hub, where
musicians, storytellers, and food vendors gather—especially in the
evenings and on weekends. The area exudes a bohemian charm, with
cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and traditional restaurants
nestled among colonial homes.
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The church is not just a religious site but a symbol of Cali’s
historical roots. Some locals even consider it the spiritual heart of
the city. It’s a place where people come to reflect, celebrate, and
connect with the past. Whether attending a mass, enjoying a street
performance, or simply sitting on the steps to watch the city below,
the Church of San Antonio offers a serene and culturally rich
experience that captures the essence of Cali’s identity.
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Quinceañeras
In front of the Church of San Antonio in Cali, it’s common to see
quinceañeras—young women celebrating their fifteenth
birthday—posing for photographs in elegant dresses, often accompanied by
family and friends.
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This tradition, known as the quince años, marks a girl's
transition from childhood to womanhood and is one of the most
cherished rites of passage in Latin American culture. The church’s
colonial charm and the sweeping views from San Antonio Hill make it a
popular and picturesque backdrop for these milestone portraits.
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The setting is ideal: the whitewashed facade of the 18th-century
church, the cobblestone paths, and the lush greenery of the
surrounding park all contribute to a timeless, romantic atmosphere.
Photographers often capture the quinceañera in dramatic poses,
her gown flowing in the breeze, framed by the historic architecture
and the city skyline below. It’s not unusual to see multiple
quinceañeras on the same day, each with her own color theme,
floral arrangements, and sometimes even a small entourage of
chambelanes (male escorts).
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This tradition is more than just a photo shoot—it’s a deeply symbolic
moment. Many families begin the day with a thanksgiving Mass inside
the Church of San Antonio, where the quinceañera receives
blessings and offers gratitude for reaching this important age. The
ceremony is often followed by a celebration elsewhere, but the church
and its surroundings remain the emotional and visual centerpiece of
the day.
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The presence of quinceañeras in San Antonio Park adds to the
area’s festive and communal spirit. Locals and tourists alike pause to
admire the dresses and share in the joy of the occasion. In this way,
the Church of San Antonio continues to serve not only as a religious
and historical landmark but also as a living stage for the personal
stories and cultural traditions that define life in Cali.
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