In honor of the “primer Grito libertario de América del Sur”, which took place during the Chuquisaca uprising in Sucre on May 25, 1809, Thaki Voyage has decided to dedicate a beautiful article to this city on this day of celebration!
In the heart of Bolivia’s colorful highlands lies a white diamond, and although we could also be referring to the Salar de Uyuni, we’re talking about the luminous metropolis of Sucre, nicknamed “the white city of the Americas”.
There are many cities in South America with this appellation, but the immaculate white of Sucre, reflected in the bright colors of Bolivia and the sparkling sun, will leave you speechless. There’s no doubt about it, this city is sure to catch your eye, so come and join us this May for the unforgettable Sucre Festival!
Sucre, culture and history
First of all, the city of Sucre is considered the symbolic heart of the nation, as it is Bolivia’s constitutional capital. The capital, La Paz, is the seat of government and finance.
Since 1991, the colonial city of Sucre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with good reason: it boasts a rich and fascinating heritage.
Start your visit at Place du 25 mai, where a parade in honor of the city’s anniversary begins every May 25. It’s not uncommon for the president to make an appearance in the city’s main square.
On this day of celebration, let’s take a closer look at the name of this square. It refers to May 25, 1809, the date on which the independence movement in the town of Chuquisaca, formerly known as Sucre, is commemorated.
The square is also home to one of the city’s most important buildings: the Casa de la Libertad, where the country’s declaration of independence was signed on August 6, 1825. This museum will immerse you in Bolivian history. Like the city itself, it is considered to be the cradle of the nation, so it’s a must-see on your trip, as is the Prefectura de Chuquisaca.
In Sucre, the mix of old and new is present on every street corner, from historic buildings to colonial architecture. Push open the doors of the city’s many museums to discover the region’s heritage.
Among them, el Museo del Tesoro, where you can admire bolivianite, a very rare stone, or browse el Museo Nacional de Etnografía y Folklore or el Museo de Arte Indígena to learn about ancestral traditions through the history of textiles. Thaki Voyage dedicated an article to this subject in March 2023, so don’t hesitate to read it again!
A city of many religious buildings
The Catedral Metropolitana, located on the Plaza del 25 de Mayo, is the most beautiful colonial church in the metropolis. Dating from the 16th century, it is richly decorated, as are the many admirably ornamented churches that are true historical testimonies, such as the mestizo-style Santa Monica church, founded in 1574 as a monastery, or the superb San Francisco church, founded in 1538, shortly after the city was founded.
Next door to the cathedral, El museo Eclesiàstico de Sucre is also worth a visit to see the country’s extensive collection of relics.
Lose yourself in the magnificent patios of this sparkling city, and among its sublime buildings that have retained all their splendor, discover the convents of sublime Sucre.
El Convento de San Felipe Neri, now a parish school, offers a splendid view of the whole city from its bell tower!
The Convento de Santa Teresa, owned by the nuns, will also be of particular interest. They sell fruit, reminding us that Sucre is also a place where people live and eat, just like the rest of Bolivia!
Take advantage of the central market to sample a wide selection of fresh fruit juices, then continue your stopover at the Chocolate Museum. Did you know that Sucre is the capital of chocolate? Many confectionery products are made in the city, so why not try them?
Situated at an altitude of 2,750 metres, in a valley of low mountains, Sucre enjoys a pleasant, mild climate. Ideal for you, dear traveller! A break is well deserved, so stop for a moment at Parque Bolivar, near Plaza Libertad, where you’ll notice the French influences.
A replica of the miniature Eiffel Tower is visible, but you didn’t come all this way to discover France. Once you’ve settled in, ask yourself about the park’s evocative name. And yes, past history is never far away in Sucre!
One of the protagonists of the Revolution, Simón Bolivar, El libertador, not only gave his name to the park, but also to Bolivia!
The lively nightlife for which the city is famous will definitely make you succumb to Sucre’s charm. What’s more, there are plenty of sites and activities in and around the city that are well worth a visit. Don’t hesitate to contact Thaki Voyage to plan the unique trip that’s right for you.
As you’ll have noticed, Sucre is one of Bolivia’s must-sees.
The city has so many stories to tell, whether it’s this May 25, the public holiday when parades take place in May 25 Square, or any other day of the year, you’ll never tire of its heritage.
Is Sucre the most beautiful city in Bolivia? You tell us! We’re looking forward to hearing your story about the flamboyant city! Thaki Voyage is a storyteller dedicated to bringing you the best of Bolivia!
Mathilde Leroux
