popayan from kevin

City: Popayan

Temperature: 19º grades C

Population: 240.000 people

Economic: Agriculture, miner, tourism.

Form to Arrive: air form and principals avenues of the country

Distance of Bogota: 702 Kms.

Nicknamed: The White City

The word Popayan comes from an Indian dialect. It means:

Po: Two

Pa: Straw

Yan: Village

In South America, in Colombia, high in the Cauca River is a beautiful valley called Popayan.

Popayan is not only a beautiful, historic city, but also a leading cultural center, home of poets, artists, and authors, birthplace of fifteen presidents of the Republic of Colombia.

The city is 5.280 feet above sea level and has an average temperature of 64ºF. The weather is spring-like all year round, but the best months are November, December, and January. One can get to Popayan by land from Cali, which is to the north, Pasto, to the south, and Neiva, to the West; there is also an excellent airport and regular flights to Bogotá and Guapi.

History of Popayan

The valley shaped by the high Cauca River where the city of Popayán is located,

Was inhabited by indigenous groups before the Spanish conquest. There the

“Conquistadores” found two Indian settlements, home of the Indian chief, Payán,

The settlements were named “Pupayam” (in Guambia, Pus-straw, Pa-two,

Yam-settlement). This name was adopted for the city that “was founded” by

Sebastian de Belalcazar on January 13, 1537, in honor of His King of Spain.

Immigrants began to shape the new village which, in time, was to become a very

rich city because of its importance in communications as a link between the North

an the South of the “New Word”, and as a collecting center for the gold,

silver, and precious metals mined in Barbacoas and Timba which were to be sent

to the royal Spanish treasury. The best and most famous architects and

Craftsmen of the colonial era left tangible proof of their skill in the

bridges. Temples, houses and doorways of the city, creating a sober, elegant

atmosphere which can be enjoyed full today, in the twenty first century

Two villages with straw roofs. However there is no straw roofs in town any

more although there is plenty of them in the city neighborhood.

There are no records regarding the pre-Hispanic history of the indigenous

town of Popayan, but in January 13, 1537 Spanish conqueror Sebastian de

Belalcázar came to the conquered town and declared de foundation of

Popayan. It was a very important town during the colony because its

location between Lima, Quito and Cartagena. Even after the discovery of

the Pacific Ocean Popayan was a transfer point of gold and riches going to

Cartagena on its way to Spain. As a result Popayan is one of the most

traditional Colombian towns and very rich in Colonial architecture

although in 1983 an earthquake destroyed part of the city. There are

several colonial bridges, museums and churches in the town.

Natives populated the town before the conquest. Next to the city there is

still a huge mound built by the Indians similar to a pyramid and presently

covered by grass. Legend says the inner structure holds richness and gold.

Conquistadores settled next to the Indians taking advantage of their good

heartiness and cheap labor. Catholicism was offered and taken by the

Indians in exchange for their gold and work.

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 Popayan.

Popayan 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.

Popayan is famous for the celebration of Easter, a tradition that dates back to

colonial times and that its residents have jealously guarded. Solemn processions

through the streets of Popayan, as part of an event that has the participation

of parishioners coming from all over the country. Also at that time held the

Religious Music Festival, which brings together musical groups specializing in

this genre, from various countries.

For the visitor who really wants an experience that taught the intensity with

which we live the tradition of the Popayan people, there is nothing better than

attending the Easter season celebrated in Popayan.

Holy Week in Popayan is a religious festival on a grand scale, traditional and

Seville in Spain, and equally noble in form and splendid in its details. Popayan

traditions, is the only one that has resisted, resisting and will resist the

mercantilist push the new times and the carefree payan usual skepticism.

The duration of the procession is usually three to four hours and your route

covers twenty-three blocks, distributed in the form of the head and arms of a

Latin cross. In addition to the ceremonies and processions, now religious art

exhibitions, and the already renowned festival of religious music, which assists

the cream of the choirs, musicians and orchestras of the kind of world. The

Easter season, according to Christian tradition, each year varies, but usually

occurs between the last weeks of March and early April.

THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACES OF POPAYAN

Religious Art Museum

Beautiful religious objects of the colonial period are exhibited here. These

pieces of great historical value constitute the inheritance of Popayan and its

people.

Mosquera's House

House where the great General, Tomas Cipriano de Mosquera, once lived, the

museum of colonial art and history where several objects which belonged to the

General are on display. The section dedicated to the colonial art of the XVII

and XVIII centurias, is especially interesting.

Natural History Museum

An excellent zoological and entomological museum, founded by the Popayan- born

scientist, F.C. Lehmann. There, visitors will find one of the finest

south-American collection of tropical animal species.

Humilladero Bridge

This bridge, built on eleven arches which are 27 feet above the river. is 720

feet long and 16.5 feet wide it is one of the most important landmarks in

Popayan and was built in 1868, during the first decades of the Colombian

Republic.

Torre del Reloj

This is another important landmark in the city of Popayan. It was built on the

“plaza de Caldas” between 1675 and 1682. the clock, which was donated by the

priests of the city, was put there in 1737.

San Francisco

This church, built in 1775 by craftsmen from Spain and Quito, is truly a

masterpiece of colonial art. The beauty of the atmosphere, the soft light of the

stained glass windows, the excellent paintings, statues, and gold work, and every

detail of its construction assure the visitor of an incomparable experience

when visiting this church

La Hermita

This is the most ancient church in Popayan. It was built during the first

decades of the XVI century. The main altar bears an image of the ancient

Austrian two-headed eagle, and beautiful samples of Spanish, and

Italian imagery adorn the walls.

Capilla de Belen

This Sanctuary, dedicated to the Ecce Homo, patron Saint of the city, was built

by the wealthy and generous artisan, Juan Antonio de Velasco in 1681. Details of

typically Spanish colonial stone, masonry can be seen in the simple lines of the

construction. The courtyard in front of the church commands a beautiful view of

the city of Popayan and its surroundings.

LA ENCAMACIÓN

This church, built in 1741, has been dedicated to Our Lady of El Rosario, whose

beautiful XVI century image is one of the few samples of the Spanish

“churrigueresco” style which are left in Popayan. The building has its own

style, which follows basic traditional renaissance lines. The square base of the

bell tower was the only part of the church which remained after the earthquake

in 1885.

EL CARMEN

The Marquise of San Miguel de la Vega had this church and monastery built in

1730. Its construction as well as the beautiful altarpieces and images which adorn

it are of incomparable artistic value.

SAN JOSE

This church belonged to the “Compañia de Jesus” and was built by then in the

second half of the XVII century. It has beautiful altarpieces and carved

ornaments, but it is very special because of the fantastic play of light which

occurs when light pours in though its stained glass windows.