| Page Views: 222 Last Visit to Popayán: December, 2008 | Popayán by mircaskirca - last update: Apr 2, 2009 |
Nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) due to its whitewashed houses, Popayán is the architectural treasure and one of the most beautiful colonial cities of Colombia. It is situated in the lower Andes at an altitude of 1.737 metres. Founded in 1837 by conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar, it developed as an important stopover for traffic between Quito and Cartagena.
Its narrow streets are lined with two-storey buildings constructed in rococo Andalusian-style. There are many plazas and churches to explore and several interesting museums and galleries. Although the capital of the department of Cauca, Popayán somehow retains its relaxed small town feel. But it really comes alive during Semana Santa (Holly Week) with the largest celebrations in Colombia. It's the main university town of the region and there's a young, sociable feel to the city. Popayán has a lively café culture with many excellent cafés where friendly locals usually meet, sipping their coffee and catching up with friends. Pleasant climate makes Popayán a very enjoyable place to visit all year round.
Much of the Popayán's original splendor was destroyed in the earthquake in March 1983. Massive reconstructions followed, restoring the town to its former colonial look though you can still see the damage in some parts. |
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 Comments for mircaskirca about Popayán | | | | |
Nemorino Wed Oct 28, 2009 21:47 UTC
Sounds like poor Popayán has had more than its share of earthquakes. Good that your little Cootranshuila bus didn't get stuck in the mud on those dirt roads. | tratoria Mon Aug 3, 2009 20:00 UTC
Beatiful pictures. | DoreenDe Fri Jul 10, 2009 23:48 UTC
Happy belated birthday, Mira. Colombia sounds beautiful, we can not wait to go & your pages are an inspiration :) | richiecdisc Mon Jun 1, 2009 03:00 UTC
Good to hear they have canelazo. I had it once in Quito. Nice on a chilly night. But aguardiente caucano sounds even better. Great detailed travel info and as always invaluable local food tips. |
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