Chíquiza
Municipality and town in Boyacá Department, Colombia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chíquiza (Spanish pronunciation: [tʃiˈkisa]) is a town and municipality in the Central Boyacá Province, part of the Colombian Department of Boyacá. Chíquiza was called San Pedro de Iguaque until July 17, 2003, when the name was changed to Chíquiza.[1] The municipality is situated on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense with the urban centre at an altitude of 2,900 metres (9,500 ft) and 24 kilometres (15 mi) from the department capital Tunja. Chíquiza borders Arcabuco in the north, Sora and Sáchica in the south, Villa de Leyva in the west and Motavita in the east.[1]
Chíquiza | |
|---|---|
Municipality and town | |
Central square Chíquiza | |
 Location of the municipality and town of Chíquiza in the Boyacá department of Colombia | |
| Country |  Colombia |
| Department | Boyacá Department |
| Province | Central Boyacá Province |
| Founded | 17 July 1556 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Elkin Yamid Suárez Pacheco (2020-2023) |
| Area | |
| 119.52 km2 (46.15 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 23.71 km2 (9.15 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 2,900 m (9,500 ft) |
| Population (2015) | |
| 5,484 | |
| • Density | 45.88/km2 (118.8/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 94 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) |
| Website | Official website |
Etymology
History
Before the Spanish conquest, Chíquiza was part of the loose Muisca Confederation and ruled by a cacique who was loyal to the zaque of Hunza. The village was important in the religion of the Muisca as it was close to the sacred Lake Iguaque; the birthplace of Bachué, mother goddess of the Muisca.[1]
Modern Chíquiza was founded in 1556 and became a part of Tunja until 1982. In 2003 the name was changed from San Pedro de Iguaque to Chíquiza.[1]
Economy
Gallery
View of Chíquiza
Rural area
Onion fields
Forest fire
