The ancient city of Sucre

The ancient city of Sucre

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the seat of its Supreme Court. Located in the valley of the Charkasmayo River at the eastern foothills of the Eastern Cordillera mountain range, it is surrounded by two peaks — one is Mount Sica Sica, and the other is Mount Churuquella. At an elevation of 2,790 meters, Sucre is famed as the "White City" because most of its major buildings and houses are painted white. Originally an indigenous village called Choquechaca, the city was laid out in an open, airy grid pattern. Directly south of the central plaza stands the white neoclassical building known as the "House of Freedom."

The ancient city of Sucre played a pivotal role in the national independence movement while remarkably escaping the devastation of war — truly a miracle. Today, the "White City" of Sucre quietly bears the marks of history. A variety of styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Mestizo, Neoclassical, and Classical, are harmoniously integrated through the many towers, bell towers, and monuments established by religious groups. Sucre’s architecture, typically white, incorporates local Latin American elements with imported Spanish styles, featuring brick corners, balconies, wrought-iron grilles, and wooden shutters. This successful fusion of cultural influences makes it one of humanity’s rich cultural heritages.