Popayan Colombia Turismo
Popayán Distrito especial Ecoturistico, Historico y Universitario.
Location
To the North the city of Cali is situated which one can get easily by land from there to Popayan. Pasto is to the South, Neiva to the East.
The urban structure of Popayán is typical of XVI and XVII Spanish cities; an orthogonal lay – out defines the main axis on which teh city is to develop, namely, the “Plaza Mayor” (Main Square) surounded by governamental buildings ans the church.
The patio had the same significance to the house as the “Plaza Mayor” had to the town. As an environmetal component, it is the main source of ligth and air for the building, since the whole house is set around it; therefore, it plays an important rôle in the daily social and family activities. The most skilled work of the colonial craftsmen was applied to the stone masonry, wood carving and gardening involved in their construction.
Visitors will find the most remarkable colonial patios in the houses of Popayán.
All these houses have their own special beauty, history, and relics, so do not hesitate to knock at the door of any one that seem to be especially attractive, you will most certainly be greeted by pleasant surprises, and the most hospitable people in the world.
National Guillermo Valencia Museum/Museo Nacional Guillermo Valencia
One of the greatest characters in the history of Popayán , the notorious poet, autor and orador, “Maestro” Guillermo Valencia, lived in this house. Visitors will blican atmosphere since the furniture, decorations, and family portraits have been kept exactly as they were when he lived there.
En esta casa vivió su gloriosa vida el Maestro Guillermo Valencia, poeta, escritor y orador notable, uno de los más grandes personajes en la historia de la ciudad. La casa se ha conservado en el estado y disposición que le diera en su vida el ilustre varón, con todos sus objetos, muebles y retratos familiares. Proporciona al visitante una rica experiencia.
Beautiful religious objects of the colonial period are exhibited here. These pieces of great historical value constitute the inheritance of Popayan and its people.
Es lugar importante para el visitante interesado: allí se exhiben objetos de carácter religioso de la época colonial, de enorme valor histórico, y artístico, piezas estas que constituyen patrimonio invaluable de Popayán y sus gentes. Mosquera's House/Casa Mosquera
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.
Es la casa que perteneció al gran General Tomás Cipriano Mosquera; en ella existen actualmente dos museos, a saber: El Etnológico, de interés científico, y el museo de arte colonial e historia, donde se exhiben objetos diversos que pertenecieron al célebre general. Es notable la parte dedicada al arte colonial especialmente de los siglos XVII y XVIII.
Natural History Museum/Museo de Historia Natural An excellent zoological and enthomological museum, founded by the Popayán- born scientist, F.C. lehmann. There, visitorts will find one of the finest south-American collection of tropiical animal species. Es un magnifico museo zoológico y entomológico; fundado por el naturarista payanés. Efrain Martinez's Museum/Museo Efrain Martinez This is a lovely farm where most of the artistic work done by Efrain Martinez, a native of Popayan, is exhibited. Es una hermosa finca donde se expone una parte importante de la obra pictórica del célebre artista payanés Efraín Martínez. Humilladero Bridge/Puente Humilladero This bridge, built on eleven arches which are Construido sobre once arcos a una elevación de 9mts. Sobre el nivel del río, tiene un total de Torre del Reloj This is another important landmark in the city of Popayán.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. Otro importante punto de referencia urbana de la ciudad de Popayán; se construyó frente a la “Plaza de Caldas” entre los años 1675 y 1682; y su reloj, donado por los sacerdotes de la ciudad, fue colocado en ella en el año de 1737. Little Bridge/Puente Chiquito Built in 1713, its beautiful simplicity is typical of the work done in colonial times. Data de 1713, es un puente de construcción sencilla pero de gran belleza, típico de la colonia. Religious Art/Arte Religiosa The people of Popayán have been traditionally religious, given the fact that the church had a great influence upon the life and development of cities. Since Popayán was an important commercial and political center, prominent families often gave large donations or willed their fortunes to the church for the building of temple and statues. This is why Popayán has Such a large number of richly adorned churches, most of which were built in the XVII and XVIII centuries. The work of skilled colonial craftsmen can be admired in these churches; fantastic statues, paintings, and stained glass windows decorate the walls and beautiful silverwork adorns the altars and shrines.The masterpieces of the religious art of Popayán, monstrances and chalices made of the finest gold and set with emeralds and other precious stones, are truly magnificent, invaluable jewels.They are constantly guarded and are exhibited only during holy week and on other special occasions. 
Los habitantes de Popayán siempre han sido tradicionalmente religiosos; como en Europa, la participación de
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 goldwork, and every detail of its construction assure the visitor of an incomparable experience when visiting this church
Esta iglesia es la más rica y hermosa de la ciudad, pues, además de ser una joya arquitectónica, tiene excelentes obras de pintura, imaginería, orfebrería y mobiliario, no solo de la escuela española sino también de la quiteña. Su diseño y construcción data de 1775. La belleza de su ambiente, la luz de sus vitrales, la magnificencia de su pulpito, cada detalle de su hermosa construcción, forman un conjunto que aseguran al visitante una experiencia sin precedentes.
La Hermita
This is the most ancient church in Popayán. 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 ecuatorian, spanish, and Italian imagery adorn the walls.
Esta iglesia es la más antigua de las que hay en la ciudad. Fue construida en las primeras décadas del siglo XVI; Su antigüedad se manifiesta en su altar mayor, que lleva por remate el águila bicéfala de los Austria. Tanto en su nave principal como en la sacristía conserva magníficas muestras de imaginería quiteña, española e italiana.
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.
El santuario, dedicado al santo Ecce Homo, patrono da la ciudad, fue construido en 1681 por el rico y generoso artesano Juan Antonio de Velasco. En su sencilla construcción pueden apreciarse detalles de sillería colonial típicamente española. Desde su atrio se tiene una panorámica espléndida sobre Popayán y sus alrededores.
SANTO DOMINGO
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 follws 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.
Con su estilo propio, enmarcado dentro del esquema renacentista tradicional, este templo ha sido dedicado a Nuestra Señora del Rosario, cuya preciosa imagen, del siglo XVI, constituye una de las escasas muestras del Churrigueresco español en Popayán. El edificio construido en 1741 et de gran belleza y sencillez; el primer cuerpo de su torre, de base cuadrada, sobre la plazoleta, es lo que dejó el terremoto de 1885.
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 follws 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.
Con su estilo propio, enmarcado dentro del esquema renacentista tradicional, este templo ha sido dedicado a Nuestra Señora del Rosario, cuya preciosa imagen, del siglo XVI, constituye una de las escasas muestras del Churrigueresco español en Popayán
El edificio construido en 1741 et de gran belleza y sencillez; el primer cuerpo de su torre, de base cuadrada, sobre la plazoleta, es lo que dejó el terremoto de 1885.
EL CARMEN
The Marquise of San Miguel de
Iglesia y monasterio, mandados a construir hacia el año de 1 730 por la marquesa de San Miguel de
SAN JOSE
This church belonged to the “Commañia de Jesús” 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.
Este templo es muy particular, pues, debido a su orientación Norte-Sur, ocurren en su interior fantásticos juegos de luz a través de sus hermosos vitrales; también tiene importantes retablos y tallas. Perteneció a
SEMANA SANTA – HOLY WEEK
There is no experience comparable to that of visiting Popayán during Holy Week for the visitor who wishes to learn about the intensity with which the people of Popayan live their tradition, behind the static seriousness of their temples and images. Suddenly, all the religious art seems to come alive, churches are fillet with flowers, images are decorated, hearts into this great event in which each and every person renews his faith and hope while strengthening his joyous tradition. Holy week in Popayan is truly an unforgettable experience.
As well as the religious ceremonies and processions, there are also cultural, craft, and orchid exhibitions organized during Holy Week. For the last 45 years, the event has been renamed the Festival of Religious Music and is regarded as an important artistic event internationally. In fact, there are musical performers involved from all five continents.
No hay nada mejor que asistir a la célebre temporada de Semana Santa en Popayán, De repente, todo el despliegue de arte religioso cobra vigencia, florecen los templos, se embellecen las imágenes, se unen los hombres y los corazones, y la ciudad entera se entrega a la gran convivencia, donde todos y cada uno renuevan su fe. y su esperanza, a la vez que fortalece su feliz tradición. Es, sin duda, algo inolvidable.
Además de las ceremonias y procesiones, actualmente se organizan exposiciones culturales ,artesanales, orquídeo logia , multisectoriales y desde hace 45 años el ya renombrado Festival de Música Religiosa, que es considerado en el mundo artístico como un importante referente de su genero a nivel mundial, actualmente en el participan músicos de los cinco continentes