Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca, is not just salsa and river. It's a city that hides within its modern streets a historical heart that beats strongly. A legacy that began with its founding in 1536 and that today can be felt in its centuries-old churches, republican mansions, and museums that safeguard memories. For the traveler seeking more than just bustle, Cali offers a journey through time where every stone has a story to tell.
The Historical Legacy of Cali
Cali's history is a blend of indigenous resistance, Spanish conquest, and mestizaje. Its historic center, although less extensive than that of other colonial cities, preserves architectural jewels and spaces that have witnessed battles, celebrations, and transformations. Visiting these sites is understanding how a riverside village became today's vibrant metropolis.
Essential Colonial Sites and Historical Museums
1. La Merced Church
Located in the heart of downtown, it is one of the oldest constructions in Cali, with parts dating back to the 17th century. Its sober colonial architecture and bell tower are icons. Inside, the Museum of Religious Art houses pieces of sacred art that narrate the region's faith.
- Address: Carrera 4 #6-117, Centro, Cali
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: $5,000 COP (approximately $1 USD)
- Website: Cali Secretary of Culture
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
I assure you, entering La Merced is like opening a living history book. Its adobe walls and colonial tiles have seen centuries of Cali residents, from the first settlers to today's salsa dancers. The silence in its atrium, interrupted only by the ringing of bells, transports you to a calmer, more intimate Cali.
2. Sugar Cane Museum (Hacienda Piedechinche)
30 minutes from Cali, in the municipality of El Cerrito, this 18th-century hacienda transports you to the era of sugar mills and the sugar economy. The museum shows the history of sugarcane, from colonial times to today, with ancient tools and explanations about its cultural impact.
- Address: Vereda Piedechinche, El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Admission: $10,000 COP
- Website: Sugar Cane Museum
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Visiting Piedechinche is understanding why the Valle del Cauca smells of damp earth and sweet cane. Today's muleteers are the guides who tell you, with that warm Cali accent, how their grandparents worked these same sugar mills. The smell of molasses in the air and the sound of horses in the corrals make you feel as if time stopped here in the 19th century.
3. San Antonio Chapel
On the hill of the same name, this white chapel from the 18th century offers not only a panoramic view of the city but also a corner of peace and history. Its simple colonial architecture and atrium are perfect for imagining what Cali was like centuries ago.
- Address: Cerro de San Antonio, Cali
- Hours: Free access during the day
- Admission: Free
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Climbing San Antonio hill is a Cali ritual. On Sundays, families arrive with their children, lovers seek a corner to watch the city light up at dusk. The white chapel, like a spiritual lighthouse, has seen generations of Cali residents climb this hill to ask for miracles or simply to breathe pine-scented air. It's our soul's viewpoint.
4. La Merced Archaeological Museum
Next to the church, this museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from cultures such as Calima, Quimbaya, and Malagana. It's a window into the original peoples who inhabited the valley before the arrival of the Spaniards.
- Address: Carrera 4 #6-59, Centro, Cali
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Admission: $3,000 COP
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
5. Río Boulevard and Republican Buildings
The boulevard, although modern, is flanked by republican buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the National Palace (now a judicial seat). Walking here is seeing the transition from colonial Cali to a modern city.
- Address: Bulevar del Río, Centro, Cali
- Hours: Free access 24/7
- Admission: Free
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
6. Calima Gold Museum (Banco de la República)
At the Banco de la República cultural center, this free museum exhibits gold and ceramic pieces from the Calima culture, with explanations about their worldview and goldsmithing techniques.
- Address: Calle 7 #4-69, Centro, Cali
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Website: Banco de la República Cultural
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
7. Casa Proartes
A restored republican mansion that today is a cultural center, offering exhibitions on local history and art. Its architecture is an example of bourgeois life in the late 19th century.
- Address: Calle 10 #4-39, Centro, Cali
- Hours: Variable, check their website
- Admission: Free or by donation
- Website: Casa Proartes
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Practical Information: Hours, Prices, and How to Get There
Most sites are in the historic center, accessible on foot or by taxi from downtown. For Hacienda Piedechinche, taxi or organized tour is recommended. Hours and prices may change; verify before visiting. Carry cash in Colombian pesos, as some places do not accept cards.
Suggested Route for a One-Day Historical Tour
Start at La Merced Church and its museum (morning). Walk to the Calima Gold Museum (mid-morning). Have lunch at Río Boulevard, observing the republican buildings. Climb San Antonio hill for the chapel and views (afternoon). If you have time, visit the La Merced Archaeological Museum. End with a coffee at Casa Proartes.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around downtown
- Bring water and sunscreen
- On Sundays, some museums may be closed or have reduced hours
- Talk to local guides; their stories enrich the experience
- Don't forget your camera to capture colonial details
Frequently Asked Questions About Cali's Historical Tour
What is the best time to visit Cali's historical sites?
Mornings between Tuesday and Friday are ideal, as there are fewer people and museums are open. Avoid Mondays, as many close for maintenance.
Is it safe to walk around Cali's historic center?
Yes, during the day and in main tourist areas. As in any large city, keep your belongings secure and avoid lonely areas after dark.
Do I need a guide for the museums?
It's not mandatory but highly recommended. Local guides know stories that aren't on information panels and give you a deeper perspective.
Are organized tours available?
Yes, several companies offer historical tours of Cali. You can book in advance to secure your spot.
Visit these places and share your historical photos with #CaliHistórico. Each visit is a step toward preserving Cali's cultural heritage. Ready for your journey through time in the Sultana del Valle?
