Rogelio Salmona is renowned as one of the most emblematic architects in Colombia and Latin America. However, the way in which he consolidated his education in the history of architecture is less well-known. The foundations were laid through the academic link he established with Pierre Francastel in study trips and the construction of an archive for the photo library and library in the Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts at the Universidad de los Andes. Salmona’s initiative to return to Colombia with this archive is evidence of the role that history played in his own education and what he was able to teach his students.