Barranquilla Colombia Temple: History, Architecture, and Travel Guide

Where It's Located

The Barranquilla Colombia Temple is located at Carrera 46 Vía al Mar PR 107 in the municipality of Puerto Colombia, just west of Barranquilla in Colombia's Atlántico Department. The temple sits on a hillside overlooking both the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. The property also includes a visitors' center and a distribution center.

Getting There

The nearest major airport is Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ), which serves Barranquilla with domestic and international flights. Travelers from the United States typically connect through cities such as Panama City, Bogotá, or Miami before arriving in Barranquilla. From the airport, the temple is approximately a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.

A Bit of History

The Barranquilla Colombia Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson during the October 2011 General Conference. It became the second temple announced for Colombia, bringing temple blessings much closer to members living in the country's northern region.

Groundbreaking and site dedication took place on February 20, 2016, with Elder Juan A. Uceda presiding. After nearly three years of construction, the temple welcomed almost 35,000 visitors during its public open house, held from November 3 through November 24, 2018. President Dallin H. Oaks dedicated the temple on December 9, 2018, making it the second operating temple in Colombia after the Bogotá Colombia Temple.

Design and Architecture

The Barranquilla Colombia Temple sits on a 5.93-acre site and contains approximately 25,349 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished with limestone and features a single attached end tower topped with an angel Moroni statue. The tower rises approximately 107 feet above the surrounding landscape.

Inside, the temple includes two instruction rooms, one sealing room, and one baptistry. The elevated site was carefully selected to provide sweeping views of the nearby river and coastline, making the temple one of the most scenic in northern South America.

Final Thoughts

The Barranquilla Colombia Temple is an important milestone in the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia. As the country's second temple, it has greatly reduced travel for members throughout northern Colombia while providing a beautiful place of worship overlooking the Caribbean coast. Its striking location, elegant architecture, and meaningful history make it a memorable destination for anyone visiting Latter-day Saint temples in South America.

Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com

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