The largest colonial center in all of Colombia, one of the oldest universities, the most beautiful natural history museum in the country, a special celebration of Easter, an impressive environment, lovely people, delicious teahouses and a extensive gastronomy: Popay\u00e1n has it all. Four years after I first set foot on Colombian grounds, I finally visited Colombia’s white city. And yes: it was fantastic. Many travelers say there is nothing to do in Popay\u00e1n except wander its white streets. Not true at all. Visit beautiful Popay\u00e1n and discover southern Colombia!<\/p>\n
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La Ciudad Blanca, or the White City, is famous for its beautiful white center. After Cartagena, Popay\u00e1n is considered the most impressive colonial city in Colombia. In addition, Popay\u00e1n is one of the best preserved colonial cities in America, a fact reflected in its architecture and religious traditions, as well as having one of the largest colonial historic centers in Colombia, with about 236 blocks. The capital of the department of Cauca was founded in 1537 by Sebasti\u00e1n de Belalc\u00e1zar and, due to its location in Valle de Pubenza, became an important stop on the route from Cartagena to Quito along the Panamericana Highway. In 1983, a massive earthquake struck Popay\u00e1n, causing many deaths and damage. Popay\u00e1n has nearly 300,000 inhabitants and is a real student city.<\/p>\n\n\t\t