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Sucre

geography Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Sucre is a very important city in Bolivia.

Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia
Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia

It sits in the south-central part of the country. The city is located in the Chuquisaca Department. It is the sixth largest city in Bolivia. Sucre is very high up in the mountains. It sits at 2,798 meters above sea level. This makes it the second-highest capital city in the world.

Sucre, Bolivia - (24545082440)
Sucre, Bolivia - (24545082440)

The high altitude creates a subtropical highland climate. This means the weather stays cool all year. You might see summer thunderstorms during the rainy season.

The city has many different names from its long history.

The 25th of May Plaza
The 25th of May Plaza

Long ago, it was an Inca town called Chuquisaca. This name might mean "a heap of precious metal." Later, the Spanish called it La Plata. Today, the city is named after Antonio José de Sucre. He was a famous revolutionary leader. Many people also call it "La Ciudad Blanca." This means "The White City." This nickname comes from the white paint on the many old houses.

Blue Sky, White City - panoramio
Blue Sky, White City - panoramio

Sucre has a very deep history that goes back many years.

Before the Spanish arrived, the Inca people lived there. The Spanish founded the city on November 30, 1538. They called it Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo. In 1559, the Spanish King Philip II made it a center of power. It was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru for a long time. The city was even the first capital of Bolivia.

Creación de Bolivia Sucre1825
Creación de Bolivia Sucre1825

It was a major center for the silver trade.

The city is a very special place for learning and law.

Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca - Patio histórico
Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca - Patio histórico

It is home to the St. Francis Xavier University. This is one of the oldest universities in the new world. Sucre is also a center for the government. It is the seat of the Supreme Court of Justice.

Even though the government moved to La Paz in 1898, Sucre is still the constitutional capital. It is one of two main government centers in the country.

Visitors love to see the beautiful old buildings in Sucre.

Catedral basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Catedral basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means the buildings are protected because they are so important. The streets are laid out in a neat grid. You can see many old churches and convents.

Some people wear traditional religious clothes in the streets. The city is also known for its culture and dances. It is a place where history and modern life live together.

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🖼️ Images & Media (16)
File:Chuquisaca city in 1615 by Guamán Poma.jpg
Chuquisaca city in 1615 by Guamán Poma.jpg
File:Creación de Bolivia Sucre1825.jpg
Creación de Bolivia Sucre1825.jpg
File:Tribunal Constitucional Plurinacional de Bolivia.jpg
Tribunal Constitucional Plurinacional de...
File:Sucre, Bolivia - (24545082440).jpg
Sucre, Bolivia - (24545082440).jpg
File:Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia.jpg
Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia.jpg
File:THANTA MORENOS.jpg
THANTA MORENOS.jpg
File:Estadio Olímpico Patria Sucre.jpg
Estadio Olímpico Patria Sucre.jpg
File:Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca - Patio histórico.jpg
Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de...
File:Freedomhouse.jpg
Freedomhouse.jpg
File:The 25th of May Plaza.jpg
The 25th of May Plaza.jpg
File:Archivo y Biblioteca Nacionales de Bolivia 2.jpg
Archivo y Biblioteca Nacionales de Bolivia 2.jpg
File:Catedral basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.jpg
Catedral basílica de Nuestra Señora de...

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