Situated in the south-central region of Bolivia, Sucre is the constitutional capital of the country and the capital of Chuquisaca. Located at an altitude of 9,000 ft above sea level, this beautiful city was founded on November 30, 1538 by the Marqués de Campo Redondo, Pedro Anzures as Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo. The same year, King Philip II, the Spanish King, established his rule over Paraguay, Northern Chile and Argentina, Peru and a greater part of Bolivia. Located between the twin hills of Sika Sika and Churuquella, Sucre forms a gateway to some interesting villages of the colonial period, such as the Tarabuco.
As the city remained a Spanish stronghold during the colonial period, the Spanish influence is strongly visible in the city’s architecture and in the construction of the streets and the presence of a large number of churches and convents in the city. In 1839, it became the capital of Bolivia and the city’s name was changed from La Plata to ‘Sucre’ after the famous revolutionary, Antonio José de Sucre. However, with the decline of the flourishing silver industry and the economic down set of Potosi, the seat of government was shifted to La Paz.
In 1991, Sucre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourists visit the city in large numbers each year to view the well-maintained 18th and 19th century structures in downtown Sucre. The nation’s most significant building, La Casa de la Libertad, built in 1621 is located here. It is in this building that Simon Bolivar established the republic. La Biblioteca Nacional or the National Library, which was constructed the same year, is yet another important building and houses documents going back to the 15th century.
La Catedral Metropolitana is the prominent religious museum of the country. You can find a large number of paintings of Colonial and Republican artists here, along with a huge collection of ornaments laid with precious stones in gold and silver. The Archbishop’s Palace is also another spectacular building from the colonial era. Besides, these major landmarks, there are several other churches and convents that one can explore here, such as the 17th century San Felipe Nery Convent and the 1601 Franciscans established Recoleta Monastery.
Sucre is served by Sucre Airport, but the airport only receives domestic flights from La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Buses also leave for Sucre from La Paz, but otherwise there is no major road connection to other parts of the country from the city. There are several good hotels that you can expect to find here, most of which are located near tourist attractions making them easily accessible, as most of the sightseeing has to be done on foot. Pizzerias, restaurants and discotheques with good quality services are available too.
There are several places near Sucre that one can visit, such as the hot springs of Los Alamos, Talula and Huata. Hiking in the mountain ranges and swimming and fishing in the clear streams are also great activities outside Sucre. The climate in Sucre is mild with average temperatures around 22 degrees, making it a great place to vacation and enjoy the glorious history of the colonial past, the tranquil serenity of the city and the picturesque views that surround the city.
Photo by jopoloco provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by brezzinka provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Jaime Caviedes provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by jopoloco provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Marc Wensveen provided courtesy of Panoramio.com