Ruin in Tunja

By Lorraine Caputo

Little remains of the Muisca culture in Tunja, despite having been the capital of its domain: the Cojines del Zaque and the Pozo de Hunzahúa. The colonial era is still much evidenced, and the city preserves one of the last Spanish founder homes yet extant in Latin America, the Casa del Fundador Gonzalo Suárez Rendón, as well as other impressive mansions, many of which are now museums. Other colonial buildings can be visited, including the Casa de la Familia Niño y Capitán Martín de Rojas, now the Boyacá tourism office and the Paredón de los Mártires in Parque de la República, which still evidences the bullet holes of independence patriots executed. South of the city is the massive monument complex commemorating the Battle of Boyacá. For movie buffs, Tunja has three cinemas. If you are in the mood to shoot 18 holes, several golf courses are in the area. Sports fans can also check out bullfighting and soccer matches, depending on the season.