Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
State Party	Ecuador
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, iv, v
Reference	863
Region†	Latin America
Inscription History
Inscription	1999  (23rd Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. † Region as classified by UNESCO.

Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, capital of the Azuay province. It is located in the Sierra, the highlands of Ecuador at about 2500m (8200 ft) above sea level. Its full name is Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca. The city's cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and marble and whitewashed buildings give it a colonial air. Cuencanos, known for their traditional demeanor and conservative cultural values, match their 18th century surroundings. The city's history is well preserved, earning Cuenca the honor of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site. List of cities called Cuenca: Cuenca, Ecuador Joara, la Florida, Native American settlement renamed Cuenca by Spanish Cuenca, Spain, the capital of Cuenca province. ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... As of 2006, there are a total of 830 World Heritage Sites located in 138 State Parties. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Ecuador. ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... This is a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... Azuay is a province of Ecuador, created 25 June 1824. ...

History

Cuenca's story begins long before the arrival of the Spanish, or even the Incas. The city was originally a Cañari settlement called Guapondeleg and is believed to have been founded around 500 AD. Guapondeleg translates into "land as big as heaven." Less than half a century before the conquistadors landed, the Incas, after a bitter struggle, conquered the Cañari and occupied Guapondeleg and the surrounding area. Though the Incas replaced the Cañari architecture with their own, they did not suppress the Cañari or their impressive achievements in astronomy and agriculture. These, as was customary for the Incas, were absorbed into their culture. Shortly after the defeat of the Cañari, the Inca commander, Tupac Yupanqui, ordered the construction of a grand city - For other meanings of Inca, see Inca (disambiguation). ... A Conquistador (Spanish: []) (English: Conqueror) was a Spanish soldier, explorer and adventurer who took part in the gradual invasion and conquering of much of the Americas and Asia Pacific, bringing them under Spanish colonial rule between the 15th and 19th centuries. ...

Pumapungo, "the door of the Puma" - whose magnificence was to challenge that of the Inca capital of Cuzco. Indians relayed stories to the Spanish chroniclers of golden temples and other such wonders but by the time the Spaniards found the legendary city all that remained were ruins, leaving everyone to wonder what happened to the fabled splendor and riches of the second Inca capital. After being abandoned by the Cañari and then the Incas, Cuenca was sparsely populated until the 1550s. The Cuenca that exists today was founded in 1557, late considering southern Ecuador's other major city, Loja, was founded in 1548. Cuenca's population and importance grew steadily during the colonial era and reached the peak of its importance in the first years of Ecuador's independence; it became the capital of one of the three provinces that made up the nascent republic. The other two capitals were Guayaquil and Quito. GOLD refers to one of the following: GOLD (IEEE) is an IEEE program designed to garner more student members at the university level (Graduates of the Last Decade). ... In general, the word colonial means of or relating to a colony. In United States history, the term Colonial is used to refer to the period before US independence. ... This article is about the city of Guayaquil. ... For other uses, see Quito (disambiguation). ...

First Inhabitants

A view outside of Cuenca, Eucalipto trees.

According to studies and archeological discoveries, the origins of the first inhabitants go back to the year 8060 BC in the Cave of Chopsi. They were hunters, hunting everything the Páramo offered them, and also nomads moving from one place to other. Tools like arrows and spears, found throughout the Andean alley are signs of the beginning of this culture. Their presence dates back to approximately 5585 BC. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Espeletia (Frailejón) plant in the Venezuelan páramo. ...

The New Society

The early inhabitants used the stable climate, fertile soil and abundant water to develop agriculture. They grew potatoes, melloco, chocho, squash (plant) and quinua, to name the major ones. They also domesticated animals such as cuy, llamas, alpacas, and utilized dogs, cows, sheep and horses brought by the Spaniards. For other uses, see Potato (disambiguation). ... Chocho may mean: Chocho is the most used nickname of the famous Akhil Chauhan, Prince of Delhi. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... Binomial name Chenopodium quinoa Willd. ... Species Cavia porcellus Cavia aperea Cavia tschudii Cavia guianae Cavia anolaimae Cavia nana Cavia fulgida Cavia magna Guinea pigs (also called cavies) are rodents belonging to the family Cavidae and the genus Cavia. ... Binomial name (Linnaeus, 1758) The llama (Lama glama) is a South American camelid, widely used as a pack animal by the Incas[1] and other natives of the Andes mountains. ... This article is about a breed of domesticated ungulates. ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... COW is an acronym for a number of things: Can of worms The COW programming language, an esoteric programming language. ... Species See text. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ...

Their technology also advanced; they started using ceramics, which are the main archaeological material from which to study their culture. There isn’t much information between 5000 and 2000 B.C., since remains haven’t been found during that era. Around 2000 B.C began a more organized society, demonstrating delegated responsibilities, like the managing of water, control of plagues and there was a differentiation between administrative and religious authorities (known as shamans). This occurred during the Periods of Chaullabamba, Huayco, Pirincay, Monjas, Putushio, Huancarcucho and Jubones. From then until 500 AD began the periods of Tacalshapa III and Cañari. For the magazine about archaeology, see Archaeology (magazine). ... Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil usually for assisting in growing crops. ... Public health is concerned with threats to the overall health of a community based on population health analysis. ... This article is about the practice of shamanism; for other uses, see Shaman (disambiguation). ...

Foundation

Cuenca's stone streets.

It was founded in 1557 by the Spanish explorer Gil Ramírez Dávalos. The foundation of the city was commissioned by Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza, at that time ruler of the Viceroyalty of Peru, who was a native of Cuenca, Spain. Cuenca achieved its independence on November 3, 1820. However, the history of the site goes back further to the native Cañaris village of Guapondelig ("land as big as heaven", 500 AD). It was later conquered by the Incas and called Tomebamba. Considering Cuenca's vast origin, it has had many names, because it has been founded many times, by many different people, at many different times, such as the Spaniard, Incas, Cañari, and earlier civilizations still under archeological expeditions. Cuenca is also considered to have been the city of the gold myths of Colombia, El Dorado, as it had been called by the Spanish. El dorado, is believed to have been burned by the inhabitants themselves, when rumors arose of Spanish conquests. When Spaniards arrived only ruins were left, therefore ending Guapondelig's existence, leaving the Spanish in speculation at what happened to the city. The Incas founded the city as the second emperial capital, to satisfy unity among the conquered Cañari. The city was to rival, and has been thought to surpass the magnificence of Cuzco. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2304 × 1728 pixel, file size: 817 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2304 × 1728 pixel, file size: 817 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Viceroy Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza, segundo marqués de Cañete (ca. ... Created in 1542, the Viceroyalty of Peru (in Spanish, Virreinato del Perú) contained most of Spanish-ruled South America until the creation of the separate viceroyalties of New Granada (now Colombia, Ecuador, Panamá and Venezuela, the last-named previously in the Viceroyalty of New Spain) in 1717 and Río... Location of Cuenca in Spain Looking through an arch in old Cuenca Cuenca is a city (2004 pop. ... is the 307th day of the year (308th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1820 was a leap year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... For the computer game, see Myth (computer game). ... El Dorado or Eldorado (Spanish for the gilded one) is a legend that began with the story of a South American tribal chief who covered himself with gold dust and would dive into a lake of pure mountain water. ...

Population

The present population is around 400,000 people. The economic development is based on industry and agricultural development. Cuenca has a long lasting reputation for being a university city. It hosts eight universities, the oldest and best known one being University of Cuenca (Universidad de Cuenca), a public university with about 12,000 students.

Cuenca geography & location

Street in Cuenca

of the 4 Rivers of Cuenca, is located between the 2,350 and 2,550 meters above sea level, in the Southern sector of the Ecuadorian Andean Mountain range, built on the ruins of the old Guapdondélig of Cañaris and Tomebamba inca ruins, which means "great valley of the sun". The area is surrounded by a complex of terraces, 4 altogether, which offers a great relief to the city. The majority of the city is located on flat areas, surrounded by mountains. These terraces are bathed by 4 rivers, which give their name to the city: the Machangara (to the north), Tomebamba that splits the city in 2, the Yanuncay and the Tarqui (to the south) and come together in the Tomebamba river. A cliff, divides the slightly elevated second and third terraces, which constitute one of the most interesting characteristics of Cuenca geography and is the present limit between the colonial city and new city. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 398 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1360 × 2048 pixel, file size: 449 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) (All user names refer to nl. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 398 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1360 × 2048 pixel, file size: 449 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) (All user names refer to nl. ...

Climate

Like the rest of the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca enjoys a mild climate year-round. Days are generally warm and nights are cool enough that sweaters or jackets are needed. The average daily temperature is 14.6 C. There are 2 noticeable seasons. The dry season, which affects Cuenca between June and September. During the rest of the year it is variable rainy, with heaviest rains coming during the months from October through December, and March through May. During the rainy season, mornings are typically sunny and afternoons cloudy with light, periodic showers.

City Orientation

Most tourists visit the historic area between the river Tomebamba and the street Gran Colombia to the north, General Torres to the west, and Hermano Miguel to the east. This area's compactness, grid-like layout, and numerous readily identifiable monuments make it easy to navigate. Outside this area the city can be confusing, as there are dozens of narrow colonial streets with similar buildings.

Major fiestas of Cuenca come at the time of the "Mass of Children" that is carried out the day of the Arrival of Kings (January 6th - Epiphany Day), or in the commemoration of the independence of the city (November 3rd), during which processions, cultural acts and dances are organized. The nearby Cañar plantation (in the county of the same name) features the biggest Inca ruins in Ecuador.

Interesting Facts

• Old cathedral

It was built in 1557, but soon was too small for the faithful of the town. In 1880, they decided to build a temple to replace it. At the present time, the old cathedral is in process of restoration. It is no longer consecrated and is operated as a museum.

• New cathedral

Its towers are truncated due to a calculation error of the architect. If they had been raised to their planned height, the foundation of this church to the Immaculate Concepcion, would not have been able to bear the weight. In spite of the architect's immense mistake, the New Cathedral of Cuenca is a monumental work of faith that began to be built in 1880. It is in Neo-Gothic style, and its blue and white domes have become a symbol for the city. Its facade is made of alabaster and local marble, while the floor is covered with pink marble, brought from Carrara (Italy). When the Cathedral was first constructed 9,000 out of Cuenca's 10,000 inhabitants could fit. Neo-gothic architecture is an American branch of the Gothic revival style that was imported from England in the 1830s. ... A modern uplighter lamp made completely from Italian alabaster (white and brown types). ... For other uses, see Marble (disambiguation). ...

• Park Abdon Calderon

It is in the center of Cuenca between the old and new cathedrals. On the park benches, people meet to converse and absorb its tranquility. The municipal offices are located nearby.

• Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion

In the atrium a colorful flower market supplements the beauty of the church which was founded in 1682. A sculpted stone facade and a golden pulpit make the church very attractive.

• Monastery and Museum of La Concepcion

Tombs of the XVII century and a complete collection of religious art are part of this exhibition.

• House of the Ecuadorian Culture
• Municipal Museum Remigio Crespo Toral
• Museum of the Central Bank
• Museum of the Aboriginal Cultures
• Church of Santo Domingo
• San Blas.
• Ruinas de todos los santos

In this old place, four niches of Inca origin exist. Their form is trapezoidal and they are built of stone. There are also remains of a colonial mill.

Surroundings

• Jima

The community of Jima is located near Cuenca and is a hiking hotspot for Southern Ecuador. Jima is located at the base of two beautiful green mountains at 8,800 feet. Hikes for all skill levels are available including a three day hike from the peaks of the Andes mountains down into the lush tropical rainforest of the Amazon basin.

• Chordeleg

Less than 50 kilometers from Cuenca, town of Cañari origin, known for its weavers, embroiderers and potters. In the same area there is a stone corridor in snake form, built in pre-Inca time, known for gold and silver smiths and local jewelrey. Tweed loom, Harris, 2004 Woven sheet Weaving is an ancient textile art and craft that involves placing two sets of threads or yarn called the warp and weft of the loom and turning them into cloth. ... Embroidery in silk thread on linen, 19th century Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in strands of thread or yarn using a needle. ... Unfired green ware pottery on a traditional drying rack at Conner Prairie living history museum. ...

• Cajas

A place where the rivers, streams and lagoons seem to unite, to create a temple of nature, in which the altitude varies from the 3500 to the 4200 m.a.s.l. It is a place for bird watchers and trout fishermen. Birding or birdwatching is a hobby concerned with the observation and study of birds (the study proper is termed American origin; birdwatching is (or more correctly, was) the commonly-used word in Great Britain and Ireland and by non-birders in the United States. ... Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Biwa trout (or Biwa salmon), Oncorhynchus masou rhodurus Trout is the common name given to a number of species of freshwater fish belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae. ... Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish by hooking, trapping, or gathering. ...

• Azogues

It is the capital of the county of the Cañar plantation. 29 kilometers separate it from Cuenca. In this city of colonial atmosphere, one of the highlights is San Francisco's convent, built in the summit of a huaca (sacred mountain) of the prehispanic residents.

• Cañar plantation

Their coloring market and the near ruins of Ingapirca (wall of Inca stone), are their biggest attractions. Cañar plantation is located 65 kilometers from Cuenca and it is usually the starting point for the trips to the famous ruins that, according to the experts, were used to control the native Cañaris. Stores, bathrooms, a tambo for the Inca, a temple dedicated to the sun, they are part of Ingapirca that was built in the XV century by orders of Huayna Capac.

Bus Station

Cuenca's inter-provincial bus station, called the Terminal Terrestre as it is in most cities, is well organized and clean. It is located on Avenida España in the northeastern corner of the city, a twenty-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the historic center. Also, buses to the station leave frequently from Avenida Padre Aguirre by the flower market.

All day buses arrive from all the Ecuador major cities, as Guayaquil and Quito to the Terminal Terrestre. From Guayaquil, the distance is 243 km. and bus takes nearly 4 hours on the highway Durán-Pto.Inca-Molleturo, a scenic ride through the Cajas National Park. From Quito, the distance is 497 km. and the trip takes around 10 hours on the Road Pan-American South. Many prefer to travel by bus act night.

Airport

The airport, named Aeropuerto Mariscal Lamar, is located due east of the Terminal Terrestre on Avenida España. It's a 5-minute walk from the bus station and buses run regularly from Avenida Padre Aguirre by the flower market to the airport and from the airport to downtown and other locations around the city. TAME usually offers three daily flights to Quito, and Austo Aereo and TAME offer three daily flights to Guayaquil, though the schedules and frequency change from time to time.

External links

Wikisource has original text related to this article:

EB1911:Cuenca (Ecuador)

• Official Travel Guide To Cuenca, with maps, hotels, restaurants, photos & more information about Cuenca
• Cuenca goverment
• Cuenca on Wikitravel
• Universidad del azuay
• Cultura, tradición y turismo de Cuenca - Ecuador

Coordinates: 2°53′57″S, 79°00′55″W Image File history File links Wikisource-logo. ... The original Wikisource logo. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...