Sucre
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Sucre (population 247,300 in 2006) is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the capital of the department of Chuquisaca. Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre lies at an altitude of 2750m (9,000 ft). Its relatively lower altitude gives the city a warm temperate climate year-round.
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History
On November 30, 1538, Sucre was founded under the name Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo by Pedro Anzures, Marqués de Campo Redondo. In 1538, the Spanish King Philip II established the Audiencia de Charcas in La Plata with authority over an area which covers what is now Paraguay, southeastern Peru, Northern Chile and Argentina, and much of Bolivia. The Audiencia de Charcas was a subdivision of the Viceroyalty of Peru. In 1601, the Recoleta Monastery was founded by the Franciscans and in 1609, an archbishopric was founded in the city. In 1624, St Francis Xavier University of Chuquisaca was founded.
Very much a Spanish city during the colonial era, the narrow streets of the city centre are organised in a grid, reflecting the Andalusian culture that is embodied in the architecture of the city's great houses and numerous convents and churches. Sucre remains the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Bolivia, and a common sight is members of religious orders dressed in traditional costume. For much of its colonial history, Sucre's temperate climate was preferred by the Spanish royalty and wealthy families involved in silver trade coming from Potosí. Testament to this is the Glorieta Castle. Sucre's University (Universidad Mayor Real & Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca) is one of the oldest universities in the new world.
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Until the 19th century, La Plata was the judicial, religious and cultural centre of the region. In 1839, after the city became the capital of Bolivia, it was renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre. Too remote after the economic decline of Potosí and its silver industry, it saw the Bolivian seat of government move to La Paz in 1898. Many argue Sucre was the epicenter that initiated the independence campaign against Spain in all of Latin America. The first "Grito Libertario" (Shout for Freedom) in any Western Hemisphere Spanish colony of took place in Sucre in 1809. Ironically, Bolivia was the last territory to gain its independence in 1825. In 1991, Sucre became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city attracts thousands of tourists every year thanks to its well-conserved downtown with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Nestled at the foot of the twin hills of Churuquella and Sika Sika, Sucre is the gateway to numerous small villages that date from the colonial era, the most well-known of which is Tarabuco, home of the colorful "Pujllay" festival held each March. Most of these villagers are members of one of the indigenous ethnicities. Many dress in clothing distinctive to their respective villages.
Government
Sucre is the capital of Chuquisaca department and the constitutional capital of Bolivia, whose Supreme Court is located in the city. The government of the City of Sucre is divided into executive and legislative branches. The Mayor of Sucre is the head of the city government, elected by general election for a term of five years. The municipal council is the legislative branch.
The current mayor of Sucre is Hugo Loayza of the Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), who assumed power in November 2008. The previous mayor, Aydeé Nava (of the PAÍS party), was required to step down once the first of two corruption charges were filed by prosecutors. The mayor elect following April 2010 elections is Jaime Barrón. On 18 June 2010, the Sucre City Council ordered Jaime Barrón's dismissal due to charges of racism and sedition. Veronica Berrios (of the MAS party) took office on 21 June 2010.
The City of Four Names
Each of the well known names represent a specific era of the city's history.
- Charcas was the indigenous name for the place upon which the Spaniards built the colonial city.
- La Plata was the name given to the emerging Hispanic city of privilege and honor.
- The name Chuquisaca was bestowed upon the city during the independence era.
- Sucre honors the great marshal of the Battle of Ayacucho (December 9, 1824), Don Antonio Jose de Sucre.
Buildings
The House of Freedom (La Casa de la Libertad)
Built in 1621, it is perhaps the most important building of the nation. The republic was founded in this building by Simon Bolivar who wrote the Bolivian Constitution.
The “Salón de la Independencia” houses the Bolivian Declaration of Independence.
National Library (La Biblioteca Nacional)
Built on the same year of the foundation of the Republic, it is the first and the most important historical, bibliographical and documentation center of the country. The National Library has documents that date from 15th century.
Metropolitan Cathedral (La Catedral Metropolitana)
Built between 1559 to 1712, the cathedral has the “Museo Catedraliceo” which is the first and most important religious museum of the country. The “Pinacoteca” has a vast collection of paintings by Colonial and Republican masters and also by Europeans such as Bitti, Fourchaudt and Van Dyck. The Cathedral contains a vast amount of jewelry made of gold, silver and gemstones.
Archbishop's Palace (El Palacio Arzobispal)
Built in 1609, was an important religious and historic institution during colonial times.
Cemetery
The biggest and most beautiful of the country.
Churches and Convents
San Felipe Nery
San Francisco
La Recoleta
Santa Teresa
Santa Clara
Churches
Santo Domingo
San Lazaro
San Sebastian
Iglesia de la Merced
San Agustín
Santa Mónica
Santa Barbara
San Miguel
Chapels
Loreto's Chapel
Virgen de Guadalupe
References
- ^ http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/22-06-10/noticias.php?nota=22_06_10_poli1.php
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Sucre |
External links
- Municipal Government of Sucre (Spanish)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
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