Popayán: ‘’Why Do People Call It The White City?’’.
Popayán is a very small colonial city famous for its chalk-white facades and the second most impressive colonial settlement in Colombia. It was also the capital of southern Colombia for centuries before Cali overtook it.
The historical center of Popayan, also known as the ‘white city’ is one of the most scenic and well conserved in Latin America, Popayán, one of the Colombian destinations we never quite made it to, but once you do, you never regret. I’ll tell you why. Indeed, religion plays an important part in the life of Popayan and the city is famous for its Easter processions, which have been carried out every year since the 16th century.
Accommodation
We stayed in a hostel and was pleasantly surprised to find it right near the main square, This converted colonial house is beautifully preserved. It’s something special to have breakfast accompanied by hymns from the Cathedral.
Prices in Popayán aren’t that expensive since you can find dorms for 8 dollars and some private rooms for the double.
What Can You See In Popayán
I have to say it was difficult to know exactly why it is called ‘the white city’, in fact, the information that is said about it is not very accurate, I could find that in a few words the name has to do with religion, yes, It is called the “white city” or “Jerusalem of America” because in the center of it, where the historical, cultural and economic part is painted white and its architecture is restored by the best architects of Colombia. It is a very religious city.
Since Popayan was a seat of power during Spanish colonial times, there are numerous architectural gems in the city. Some of the most impressive are, naturally, churches. Do not miss.
Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia La Ermita, and Belen.
Cathedral Basilica of ‘’Our Lady of the Assumption’’.
The city’s largest colonial church where inside you can see a fine high altar and a collection of seven unique side altars. This church is easy to locate, in front of Parque Caldas and next to the Torre Reloj. What impressed me is its modern altar areas, with Jesus standing over the world! Gone are the antique, old-looking statues of saints, Mary and Jesus.
The historic center, however, is not the only reason the White City is worth visiting. The rich religious heritage of the city: the processions of ‘’Semana Santa’’, which year after year attracts the attention of about 5,000 visitors from all over the world.
Parque Caldas
Being the central plaza of Popayan, you can enjoy watching life go by, and catch the occasional music player, flower/orchid market, old-fashioned park photographer, and be offered street food on the go.
Puente del Humilladero
We visited the bridge as part of the free walking tour. If you’re from Europe it’s pretty identical with the bridges, in central and South America this design of Bridge is a rare occurrence. Although what it’s made from is creepy! Ingredients include milk, honey, and Oxblood ?! Very odd.
Popayán is a city is full of culture, colonial background, famous for its chalk-white facades, known as ‘’La Ciudad Blanca’’. The Cathedral is located on the main square (which is bordered by pedestrian-only streets).
Nearby Popayan is the Purace national park, an 83,000-hectare reserve located in the midst of the Andean mountains. Its central feature is Purace, an active volcano which gives the park its name.
Moving In Popayan
Buses in Colombia are fairly easy to use and the bus station in Popayán is easy to get to from the center of town on foot. Cheap local buses to Popayán are accessible but they are slow and stop at each town until full.
Hope you enjoyed this article. Let me know your thoughts on this on the comment section below
More post about this city on my personal Instagram
Best Regards,
Jaime S
Source: jasove.com
