Overview:

: Popayán's Historic Center -Popayán In Colombia is the historic center of the city of Popayán, located in the Cauca Department of Colombia. The center has preserved its colonial architecture as it has remained largely unchanged since the 1700's. This area contains a large number of religious monuments, civil organizations, and public gardens. The historic center of Popayán was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. It features pre-Columbian structures, colonial buildings, and several beautiful plazas. Visitors will be able to explore the city's various churches and admire its stunning architecture. They will also be able to experience local culture by visiting some of the many museums and cultural centers found in the center. The area has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia, offering visitors an opportunity to get in touch with the city's history, culture, and countryside. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

- Cathedral of La Inmaculada Concepción Plaza Bolivar: This is the heart of the city and the main plaza in the Historic Center. It is here where the Monument to Independence is located alongside many other monuments and statues that represent the nation’s history. University of Cauca: Founded in 1827, it is one of the oldest universities in South America and it is located in the Historic Center. San Luis Oratory: Located at the gates of the Historic Center of Popayán, it is an ideal place to admire the architecture of the 16th century. Capilla de San Antonio: This chapel is located in the main square and was built in the 17th century. Botanical Garden: One of the most important attractions for tourists, the botanical garden is located on the outskirts of the city and it is home to various species of plants. Casa Museo del Virreinato: Located in the Historic Center, the Casa Museo del Virreinato is a museum dedicated to the colonial history of Popayán, showing the lifestyle of the Spanish viceroys who governed the region. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Popayán is an ancient colonial city located in the Southwestern region of Colombia. It was founded in 1537 on the site of an Incan fortress known as Pagoaya, and was originally designed as a settlement for Spanish conquistadors. Since then, Popayán has become one of Colombia’s main cultural hubs due to its many notable monuments, churches, and universities. The city’s historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its importance to the cultural heritage of Colombia. The region surrounding Popayán was originally inhabited by the Quimbaya, an indigenous people believed to have been in the area for several thousand years. They built many irrigation canals and terraces to cultivate crops and store water. The Spanish first arrived in the region in 1537, led by Sebastián de Belalcázar. He named the settlement “Popayan” in honor of the Quimbayan princess Pupakén, and originally designated it as the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada. The city began to grow rapidly after the establishment of the University of San Marcos de Popayán in 1578. During this period, many of the city’s grand churches and plazas were built, creating the unique urban fabric that its historic center is known for today. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Popayán experienced a major colonial boom, with many churches, monasteries, and civic buildings being erected throughout the city. The University of San Marcos was the city’s crowning glory, and it attracted many intellectuals from around the world. By the 19th century, the city had become a major cultural and intellectual center in Colombia. Popayán’s traditional colonial architecture has remained largely unchanged over the years, and today the city’s historic center is renowned for its colorful colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. The area is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to admire its unique historical architecture. Today, the city of Popayán continues to serve as a major cultural hub in Colombia. The University of San Marcos is still active and many of the city’s churches, monasteries, and civic buildings remain standing. The city’s unique urban fabric still evokes the colonial charm of an earlier era, making Popayán one of the most beloved destinations in the country. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Popayán was founded in 1537 and is one of the oldest cities in Colombia. 2. Popayán was originally built in the area of an indigenous village known as Puebla de los Sinú. 3. The Historic Center of Popayán has the largest concentration of colonial style architecture in South America, and has been declared a National Monument . 4. Popayán was an important religious center for the Spanish during the colonial era, and is still the site of several significant churches and cathedrals. 5. Popayán is home to the Universidad del Cauca, the oldest public university in Colombia. 6. Popayán is nicknamed “The White City,” due to the white walls of its edifices, which were originally made with chalk during colonial times. 7. The Historic Center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and culture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.