Sucre, Constitutional capital in Chuquisaca Department, Bolivia
Sucre is a constitutional capital in Chuquisaca Department, Bolivia, sitting at 2,810 meters (9,220 feet) elevation in a fertile valley. The city spreads across gentle slopes with white colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and tree-lined plazas in the center.
Pedro de Anzúrez founded the settlement in 1538 as La Plata, which became a center for silver trade during colonial times. In 1825, delegates signed Bolivia's declaration of independence here and later renamed the city after the liberation general.
The name Sucre honors Antonio José de Sucre, a general from the independence wars whose memory remains present throughout the city. Visitors see locals in traditional clothing at the markets, where Quechua and Spanish are spoken side by side.
The elevation brings mild weather year-round, though visitors should allow a few days to adjust to the thinner air. The center is easy to explore on foot, and most landmarks lie within a short walk of each other.
The Supreme Court of Bolivia sits here, making the city the judicial capital while La Paz handles administration. San Francisco Xavier University was founded in 1624 and still welcomes students from across South America to its historic campus.
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