History of Villa de Leyva

History

By Lorraine Caputo

During the Mesozoic Era (160-180 million years ago), the inhabitants of this valley came from the great inland Sea of Tetis. Today their remnants now pepper the Villa de Leyva Desert. Eons later, the Musica, a Chibcha nation called this valley home. An important ceremonial center, El Infiernito is testimony to their presence. The Spaniards founded Villa de Nuestra Señora de Santa Marís de Leyva on June 12, 1572. The official founder, Andrés Díaz Venero de Leyva, was also the first president of Nuevo Reino de Granada. Villa de Leyva played an important role during the struggle for Independence from Spain. It was the home of the revolutionary heroes Antonio Nariño and Antonio Ricuarte. The village also hosted the First Convention of the United Provinces of Nueva Granada. In 1954 the town was declared a national monument in an effort to preserve its colonial architecture.