National Archeological Park of Tierradentro

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Exploring the Rich Cultural Legacy: National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro

The National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro, located in the mountainous region of southwestern Colombia, offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural history of pre-Columbian societies. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, this archaeological park showcases a remarkable collection of elaborate pre-Columbian hypogea, or underground tombs, dating from the 6th to the 10th century.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Several monumental statues of human figures can be seen in the park, which also contains many hypogea dating from the 6th to the 10th century. These huge underground tombs (some burial chambers are up to 12 m wide) are decorated with motifs that reproduce the internal decor of homes of the period. They reveal the social complexity and cultural wealth of a pre-Hispanic society in the northern Andes.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

Criterion (iii): The archaeological area of Tierradentro, with its complex of hypogeal, are a unique testimony to the everyday life, ritual and the singular conception of burial space, of a developed and stable society. It also reveals the social complexity and cultural wealth of a pre-Hispanic society in the northern Andean region of South America. The site provides a unique testimony to the high level of artistic and social culture of the region over its long prehispanic history.

Encyclopedia Record: Tierradentro

Tierradentro is one of the ancient Pre-Columbian cultures of Colombia. It started to flourish around 200 BC in the mountains of southwest Colombia, and continued into the 17th century. The Tierradentro culture is particularly well known for its dense collection of elaborate pre-Columbian hypogea. It is considered part of San Agustín culture rather than a separate culture.

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