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Sucre

geography Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Sucre is the de jure capital of Bolivia.

Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia
Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia

This means it is the official capital according to the nation's constitution. It also serves as the capital of the Chuquisaca Department. Sucre is the sixth most populous city in the country. It sits in the south-central region of Bolivia.

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

The city is located at an elevation of 2,798 meters. This makes it the second-highest capital city in the world. Only Quito is higher. This high altitude creates a subtropical highland climate. The weather remains cool throughout the year. You might experience summer thunderstorms during the rainy season.

The geography of Sucre is quite unique. It sits at the head of valleys. This area is part of the inter-Andean valleys. These valleys lie between the high Andean plateau and the low Gran Chaco plains. The city is located in the Oropeza Province. It rests at the foot of the Sica Sica and Churuquella hills. These hills are actually ancient extinct volcanoes.

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

The location marks a boundary between two major water systems. One side is the Amazon basin. This includes the Chico and Grande rivers. The other side is the La Plata River basin. This includes the Cachimayu and Pilcomayu rivers. The city is divided into eight districts. Five of these are urban districts. The other three are rural districts.

Sucre has a very long and complex history. Before Spanish colonization, it was an Inca town. The name for this town was Chuquisaca.

The name likely comes from Quechua words. The word "chuqi" means precious metal or silver. The word "shaqa" can mean a heap or an abundance. Together, the name might mean a heap of precious metal. The Inca ruler Topa Inka Yupanqui conquered the area. He imposed the Quechua language on the local Aymara people. The Spanish founded the city on November 30, 1538. Pedro Anzures, the Marqués de Campo Redondo, led this foundation. He named it Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo.

During the colonial era, Sucre was a major center of power. In 1559, King Philip II established the Audiencia de Charcas. This was a judicial and administrative body. It had authority over much of the surrounding region. This included parts of modern Paraguay, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. Sucre was a vital part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Later, it became part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata in 1776. The city was a center for the silver trade. Wealthy families often lived here to enjoy the temperate climate.

The city's architecture reflects Andalusian culture. The streets follow a neat grid pattern. Many large houses, convents, and churches define the landscape.

The city played a key role in Bolivian independence. On May 25, 1809, the independence movement began. This happened when a bell was rung at the Basilica of Saint Francisco.

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

The bell was rung so hard it almost broke. It is still kept as a precious relic today. Sucre was the provisional capital of Upper Peru in 1826. Later, it became the first capital of the new nation of Bolivia. In 1839, President José Miguel de Velasco renamed the city. He named it after Antonio José de Sucre. He was a great marshal of the Battle of Ayacucho.

Creación de Bolivia Sucre1825
Creación de Bolivia Sucre1825

Eventually, the seat of government moved to La Paz in 1898. This happened after the silver industry in Potosí declined.

Today, Sucre remains a major center for law and education. It is one of two main governmental centers in Bolivia. While La Paz is the seat of government, Sucre is the seat of the judiciary.

The Supreme Court of Justice is located here. The city is also a famous place for learning. It is home to the St. Francis Xavier University of Chuquisaca. This is one of the oldest universities in the New World.

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

The city is also known as "La Ciudad Blanca." This means "The White City." This nickname comes from the white paint on many colonial buildings.

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

Sucre is recognized globally for its historic beauty. In 1991, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is because its historic center is very well preserved. The architecture is similar to cities like Cuzco and Quito.

Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia
Ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia

The city is also a place of vibrant culture. One famous dance is the cueca. The city helped spread this dance to other areas. The local population is predominantly of Quechua background. There are also Aymara communities. This mix of history and culture makes Sucre a very important part of South America.

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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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