Popayán

Popayán is the capital of the Colombian department of Cauca, with a population of about 215,000 people. It was founded by Sebastián de Belalcázar on January 13, 1537. It is known as the "white city" because of its beautiful colonial houses. Located at an altitude of 1,737 meters, the city is well-known for its colonial architecture and its contributions to Colombian cultural and political life. More presidents have come from Popayán than any other city in Colombia and it was also home to noted poets, painters, and composers. Here is also located the Universidad del Cauca, one of Colombia's most distingushed institutions of higher education. Much of the city's original splendor was destroyed on March 31, 1983, when an earthquake toppled many buildings. Though many were rebuilt and repaired, the colonial center still bears ruins and empty lots from the disaster. Nearby is Puracé National Park, a geothermal wonderland of hot springs, waterfalls, and a (currently) inactive volcano from which the park derives its name. The nearest large city is Cali, in the neighbouring department of Valle del Cauca, to the north.

History

Popayán was founded on January 13th of 1537 by Sebastián de Belalcázar who was travelling north searching for El Dorado treasure. Its name comes from the Indian chief Payán who was the leader of a Native American tribe who lived close to Popayán when the Spanish conquerors arrived.

The city is home to an ancient pre-Hispanic pyramid known as El Morro del Tulcán. El Morro was already abandoned when the Spanish first arrived to the city in 1535. Analysis of dental samples taken revealed that the individuals buried there probably belonged to the most important social class from their respective Indian society.

Popayán is the city with most presidents from Colombia. A total of 17 presidents have been born in Popayán.

Popayán has been destroyed by several earthquakes. The most recent and the most destructive lasted for eighteen seconds and occurred on March 31st of 1983. The reconstruction of the colonial city took more than 10 years and still today it is possible to see some lots that have not been reconstructed. The first earthquake seismic design code was established in Colombia as a consequence of this earthquake.

External links

[Universidad del Cauca]

[[wikitravel:| travel guide]] from Wikitravel

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