Sat 22nd Nov 2008
- Popayan Travel Guide & City Information
Popayán, also known as the White City, is the capital of the department of Cuaca. It was founded in 1537. Popayán is one of the most traditional cities in Colombia and is well know for its outstanding architecture. In 1983 an earthquake took place, but most destroyed buildings have been reconstructed.
Places of interest include the Chapel of Belén, okay built on a promotory with a good view of the city, the Ermita, the churches of San Francisco, El Carmen, La Encarnación, San José and Santo Domingo, and the convent and church of San Agustín. The museum of religious art contains valuable colonial objects. The Casa Caldas, the Martinez Museum, the Casa Valencia, the Casa Negret and Cauca University are also worth a visit. Other places of interest include the Humilladero bridge, the Clock Tower, the Morro de Tulcán hill, and the Hotel Monasterio, which operated in the ancient Franciscan Monastery.