In the heart of Villa de Leyva, a charming Colombian colonial town, lies a unique architectural work: the Terracotta House, or as many know it, the Mud House of Villa de Leyva. Far from the hustle and bustle of the historic center, this construction stands as a tribute to the earth, defying traditional norms and erigting itself as a symbol of human creativity.
History of the Terracotta House in Villa de Leyva
The Terracotta House is the creation of architect Octavio Mendoza, a man passionate about clay and a champion of sustainable architecture. His dream began in 1997, when he decided to build a house that was not only a shelter but also a work of art. Using earth as his raw material, Mendoza began shaping his vision, brick by brick, firing each piece as if it were a pottery.
¿How was the construction process?
The construction of the Terracotta House is more like a large-scale pottery work than a conventional architectural project. The clay, extracted from the same region, was molded by hand and dried in the sun before being fired in a giant kiln for a week. This artisanal process, which lasted for eleven years, made it possible to create a unique structure, without steel beams or cement, where the earth becomes the absolute protagonist.
More than just a house, the Terracotta House is a symbol of Villa de Leyva and Colombia.
Terracotta House is more than just a home. It is a symbol of human creativity, respect for the environment, and the ability to turn dreams into reality. It is a place that invites reflection, connection with nature, and appreciation of the beauty in simplicity.
A must-visit destination in Villa de Leyva
If you are planning a trip to Villa de Leyva, the Terracotta House is a must-see. Not only will you be amazed by its unique architecture, but also by the history behind it. Let yourself be enveloped by the warmth of the clay, the harmony of the natural environment, the view of the eastern mountain range in Colombia, and the magic of this special place.
¿What is the tour of the Terracotta House like?
Terracotta House Villa de Leyva Boyacá is not only a work of art in itself, but also a space full of details and symbolism. Its curved and organic shapes evoke the mountains and valleys of the region, while its large windows allow natural light to flood every corner. Inside, we find furniture, beds, and common areas made of clay, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
¿How to get to the Terracota House?
From the Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva you can reach the Terracota House following these options.
- The Terracota House is located 1.9 km from the Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva.
- You can get there by car, public transport or bicycle.
- The travel time by car is 7 minutes, by public transport 15 minutes, by bicycle 15 minutes and walking 23 minutes.
Steps to get to Casa Terracota
If you are not familiar with the town of Villa de Leyva, here are the steps on how to get to Casa Terracota:
- Head out on the Villa de Leyva – Santa Sofía road.
- Pass by the Colsubsidio supermarket in Villa de Leyva.
- Continue past the Los Portales restaurant.
- Diagonally to the right of La Bodega restaurant, you will find an unpaved road. Take this road.
- Continue straight down this road for about 600 meters and you will arrive at Casa Terracota.
Please note that if you are using Waze, you can search for it as Casa Terracota, the mud house Villa de Leyva, Clay House Villa de Leyva, Flintstones house Villa de Leyva, or Chocolate house Villa de Leyva.
You might also be interested in: Top 10 Best Milhojas in Villa de Leyva
Casa Terracota Villa de Leyva admission ticket
In order for you to plan your visit with peace of mind, we present the admission prices according to the season and type of visitor:
Low Season:
Weekdays
- Adults: $38,000 – 10 USD
- Children between 8 and 17 years old: $23,000 COP – 6 USD
- Seniors over 60 years old: $32,000 COP – 9 USD
- Students and teachers: $28,000 COP – 8 USD
- People with disabilities: $21,000 COP – 5.31 USD
- Children under 7 years old: Free admission
Weekend and holidays rates
- Adults: $43.000 COP – 11 USD
- Children between 8 and 17 years old: $27.000 COP – 7 USD
- Seniors over 60 years old: $37.000 COP – 9,47 USD
- Students and teachers: $31.000 COP – 8 USD
- People with disabilities: $23.000 COP – 6 USD
- Children under 7 years old: Free admission
Weekdays
- Adults: $46,000 COP – 12 USD
- Children (ages 8-17): $28,000 COP – 8 USD
- Seniors (60+): $37,000 COP – 9.47 USD
- Students and teachers: $34,000 COP – 8.71 USD
- People with disabilities: $25,000 COP – 7 USD
- Children under 7: Free admission
Weekend and holidays
- Adults: $50,000 COP – 13 USD
- Children between 8 and 17 years old: $30,000 COP – 8 USD
- Seniors over 60: $42,000 COP – 11 USD
- Students and teachers: $36,000 COP – 10 USD
- People with disabilities: $27,000 COP – 7 USD
- Children under 7 years old: Free admission.
If you are planning a trip to Villa de Leyva, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this magical place. The Casa Terracota will amaze you with its beauty, history and inspiring message.
Have you visited the Casa Terracota? Share your experience in the comments. Tell us what you thought of the architecture, the history of the house, the tour and how this special place made you feel.
If you haven’t visited it yet:
What do you think of the Casa Terracota? Would you like to visit it? Share your opinions and expectations in the comments.