PUEBLOS PATRIMONIO SAN JUAN GIRÓN
(Colombian Heritage Towns: San Juan Girón)
Found in the department of Santander, San Juan de Girón is a colonial pueblo that portrays the quintessential image of a time gone by. The uneven cobblestone streets, divine whitewashed houses with decorated wooden balconies, are nothing less than mesmerizing.
This stunning pueblo, declared a Pueblo Patrimonio (Heritage Town), draws tourists eager to explore Colombia’s rich history and timeless beauty.
San Juan de Girón is strategically located in the northeast of Colombia, in the Santander department. To the northeast, it borders the city of Lebrija, and to the south, the vibrant city of Bucaramanga.
Girón, nearly 400 years old, features stunning Spanish colonial architecture. It is one of only 18 Colombian pueblos with national heritage status. Colombia declared the entire pueblo a national monument in 1959.
Founded by Francisco Mantilla in 1631, San Juan de Girón’s historic center is a designated cultural landmark, ensuring its preservation. With over 200,000 residents, Girón still maintains its quaint charm. A full day is enough to explore its compact historic center.
Girón earned the title of Pueblo Patrimonio (Heritage Town) for its historical significance. It has preserved its colonial architecture, with cobbled streets, balconies, and white facades. This charming pueblo was a key commercial hub in the colonial era and is now a prime example of colonial architecture in Colombia.
Girón played a key role in Colombia’s independence, housing influential figures in the fight for freedom. Meandering through the cobbled streets transcends one through centuries of history.
San Juan de Giron
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CLIMATE AND WEATHER
In Girón, the summers are short, warm and muggy, while the winters are more comfortable. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 21°C/70°F to 27°C/81°F and is rarely below 19°C/66°F or above 30°C/86°F.
The wet season lasts 8 months, from late March to November, with over a 44% chance of rain on any given day. October is the wettest month in Girón, with an average of 21 days of precipitation.
The dry season lasts 4 months, from the end of November to late March. The month with the fewest wet days in Girón is January, averaging 7 days of precipitation.
Girón is at an elevation of 706m/2,316 feet, so it is a good idea to wear comfortable, loose cotton clothes. Sturdy footwear with a hat and high-factor sunscreen is advisable.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Girón’s historic centre offers a rich cultural and gastronomic experience with museums, craft shops and restaurants serving regional dishes.
The pueblo has three main plazas. The most vibrant is Parque Principal de Girón, where food vendors and locals relax after work. This family-friendly area lets kids play freely, while the Basilica Menor San Juan Bautista, a pilgrimage site since 1639, stands with five altars. In contrast, Plazuela de Las Nieves is quieter, home to the Capilla Nuestra Señora de las Nieves church and street vendors selling handmade crafts.
Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista is a beacon of spiritual solace, historical gravitas and architectural splendour. The basilica stands as a testament to Girón’s rich cultural heritage and its deep-rooted Spanish colonial influences.
The Basílica is not just any church; it is a symbol of the pueblo’s history and the focal point of its identity. As the cornerstone of the pueblo, it has witnessed countless moments of celebration, sorrow, hope and faith.
Its towering presence reminds locals and visitors of Girón’s legacy and the pivotal role the church has played in shaping the community’s social and spiritual fabric.
Above the main entrance, the beautifully crafted wooden doors are original, each telling Bible stories through their carved depictions.
Stepping inside, the vast expanse of the basilica’s nave is inspiring. The interior is a symphony of ornate altars with gold leaf detailing and stunning frescoes. The central altar, dedicated to San Juan Bautista, is a masterpiece in itself. Rich in gold detailing and flanked by statues of saints, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of its artisans. The church’s ceiling, adorned with painted biblical scenes, offers a celestial ambiance, making the basilica a peaceful haven amidst the bustling pueblo.
Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista possesses a majestic bell tower. Rising high, it has silently witnessed the town’s evolution, marking time with its melodious chimes. The tower adds distinctive charm to the basilica’s silhouette, making it an unmistakable landmark in Girón’s skyline.
During Semana Santa, a ghost dressed as a remorseful figure roams Parque de las Nieves at night, atoning for his sin of eating meat during Lent, which led to his death. The ghost is said to levitate and display his arms in the shape of a cross. Some folk claim to have seen him levitating in the street and then disappearing as he entered the chapel.
The truth is likely that a mirage was used by the church to intimidate the inhabitants and preserve the Lenten tradition.
Hand-woven textiles, ceramic pottery, and wood-carved artifacts reflect the town’s historical essence and are popular items.
Local markets and quaint tiendas line the cobbled streets of Girón, where artisans display their work, offering a unique shopping experience. Visitors admire the attention to detail and the stories each piece tells, reflecting the artisan’s passion and the pueblo’s legacy.
Puente del Humilladero is a fascinating stone bridge that is a truly magnificent structure. This photograph tells its own story.
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Like many traditional pueblos in Colombia, Girón is blessed with a wealth of folk tales and legends, often linked to religious beliefs.
In 1881, the community of Girón raised a large sum of gold and sent an emissary to Toledo in Spain to return with the eight most beautiful bells possible.
The story goes that the emissary was attacked and robbed of all the gold he was carrying. Knowing he could not possibly return to Girón without the bells, he set to work to raise the money all over again. And after several years, with no sign of the emissary or the bells, the people of Girón thought maybe he had perished or he had misappropriated the money
When he did indeed eventually reappear with the eight bells, there was a massive celebration. Legend has it that the Devil once stole the largest bell, and on certain days, it can be heard ringing in the mountains. A lion has since been carved near the bells to protect them from the Devil.
GASTRONOMY
Among South American nations, Colombia has only recently begun to earn raves for gastronomy. However, it is a long way ahead when it comes to inexpensive, delicious street food.
The pueblo is known for its gastronomic delights, including traditional sweets, baked goods, and beverages that have been local staples for centuries. For centuries, hormigas culonas, or big-bottomed ants (atta laevigata), always female, have been a regional delicacy and a source of pride in Santander, Colombia.
They date back to the indigenous Guane people, who saw females, heavy with egg sacs, as symbols of fertility. Harvested only in the rainy spring season, hormigas santandereanas are nutritious, high in protein, and low in saturated fat. Some locals like to tout their aphrodisiac qualities. They come fried or roasted with salt, served in small containers or bags.
Ants
Do try cabro (goat) in the Santander region of Colombia. It is marinated until tender and flavourful and then grilled until smoky. It is typically served with pepitoria, a tasty rice dish made with the juices and parts of cooked cabrito (young goat).
Cabrito
Maracumix in Girón is a refreshing and delightful experience, especially in the warmer weather. This popular local dessert combines passion fruit ice cream with a touch of condensed milk, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Maracumix
In the San Juan de Girón area, where crops like tobacco, cocoa, pineapple, and corn grow, you can visit fincas (farms) to learn more.
Also, enjoy adventure sports such as paragliding and rafting. Consult with Bnb Colombia Tours for custom itineraries.
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