A VISIT TO VILLA DE LEYVA, HISTORIC AND AUTHENTIC TOURISM IN COLOMBIA.

Villa de Leyva, an important place in Colombian military history

This municipality located in the Boyaca department, about 3 hours from Bogota, stands out for its highly preserved colonial architecture. The city was founded in 1572 in response to the need to relocate Spanish soldiers after their service. Soldiers were able to obtain land in the region, thus responding to growing social concerns in the capital, Tunja. During a visit to Villa de Leyva, one cannot miss the 1,5ha main square, the largest Plaza Mayor in Colombia. It is therefore large enough to accommodate a military regiment in the event of conflict.

 

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Une publication partagée par CAPOA Voyages/Travels Colombia (@capoacolombia)

The War of Independence

At the beginning in the 19th century, the city was at the heart of the conflict between the independentists and the Spanish crown. Villa de Leyva was home to the famous Martyrs of Independence Antonio Ricaurte, Antonio Nariño, and the Libertador Simon Bolivar. It was also in the region that Simon Bolivar’s troops won the battle that gave Colombia its independence. The first congress of the United Provinces of New Grenada took place in Villa de Leyva, an event that marked the transition point between the colonial empire and the federal republic.

The colonial heritage of Villa de Leyva

Listed as a national monument in 1954, the architectural heritage of Villa de Leyva is undoubtedly one of the richest in Colombia. New constructions must comply with heritage standards and respond to a style that respects this patrimony. The newer parts of town also reflect this colonial aspect with white facades and apparent woodwork. Some stone building elements even incorporate marine fossils. Indeed, Villa de Leyva is located right in the heart of a region where a sea stretched out during the Cretaceous era.

Villa de Leyva and its Surroundings

A destination of choice for both national and international tourism, Villa de Leyva offers a wide range of visiting options. From outdoor activities (hiking, horseback riding, quad biking, swimming, etc.) to visits to cultural sites (Santo Ecce Homo Monastery, Muisca de Santo Ecce Homo Observatory, Casa Terracota etc.), many visitors complete their visit of the cobbled streets and colonial buildings of Villa de Leyva, with entertaining as well as interesting surrounding sites.

Finally, Villa de Leyva is an ideal stopover for those travelling by road to the famous Barichara, another outstanding destination in the Colombian eastern Andes.

If you too would like to discover Villa de Leyva during your trip to Colombia, please do not hesitate to contact us: