With Christmas a few days away, it seems appropriate to highlight some of the old and not-so-old churches of the La Candelaria neighborhood, Bogotá's historical center. The churches are handsome, majestic and elaborate, and one doesn't have to be a believer, much less a Catholic, to appreciate their beauty.

The Cathedral of Bogotá, on Plaza Bolivar.

When the Spanish settled what is now Bogotá spreading Catholicism was one of their justifications for their colonial empire. To fulfill their mission, they built dozens of churches in central Bogotá.

The interior of Bogotá's Cathedral.

La Iglesia la Candelaria. Both the church and the neighborhood got their names from a brotherhood of monks.

La Iglesia San Agustin, across the street from the Presidential Palace.

The interior of the Iglesia San Agustin.

Iglesia del Carmen is one of the city's most dramatic, at least from the outside, but is only about 40 years old.

Iglesia de Las Aguas on Jimenez Ave. In the background Monserrate, with its own church, is visible.