Colombia can boast the world famous archeological park of San Agustin. It is visited not only by researchers from around the world, but by curious travelers too. Here, archaeologists have discovered the largest group of religious monuments in South America. Today everyone can see it. The sculptures found during excavations in the park are called chinas. As the researchers found out, items were made of volcanic rock. Numerous sculptures depict people dressed in various traditional clothing.
Sculptures vary not only in appearance, but also in size. The height of some items is only a few tens of centimeters, and the height of the largest reaches seven meters, while the weight is several tons. In total, during the study, more than 500 statues have been found in the park. Some of the sculptures depicted ancient deities and animals. The pathfinder of the surprising archaeological area was a monk Fray Juan de Santa Gertrudis, who accidentally discovered the first statue in a cave in 1794.
After more than two hundred years, scientists haven't managed to pinpoint exactly when and for what purpose sculptures had been created. They are very similar to the stone idols found on Easter Island. According to researchers, the monuments are of exceptional religious significance. In addition to the statues, a few distinctive places of worship were found in the park. There is a spring and ruins of an altar. Today, the park has a museum that collects the most amazing archaeological finds.
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Useful staff nearby
Fuel station: 'Estación de Servicio Esso Mobil Km 0 San Agustín Pitalito' in 5.48 km
Supermarket: 'Supermercado El Cosmos' in 2.36 km
Parking: 'Parqueadero' in 7 km
Apotheek: 'DROGUERIA NEW YORK' in 2.57 km
Police station: 'Policía Nacional-Estación' in 5.77 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Asadero Y Restaurante El Buen Gusto Isnense' in 2.49 km
Nearest airports:
» Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport CLO - in 181 km
» El Eden International Airport AXM - in 286 km
» Matecana International Airport PEI - in 326 km
» Mariscal Sucre Airport UIO - in 339 km
» El Dorado International Airport BOG - in 386 km