Manizales

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Manizales
View of Manizales skyline.
View of Manizales skyline.
Official flag of Manizales
Flag
Official seal of Manizales
Seal
Motto: The city of open doors - World Capital of Coffee
Location of Manizales in the Department of Caldas.
Location of Manizales in the Department of Caldas.
Region Andean Region (Colombia)
Department Department of Caldas*
Foundation October 12, 1849
Mayor Luis Roberto Rivas Montoya
Area  
 - City 508 km²
Elevation 2,150 m
Population  
 - City (2003) 380,000
*
Website:
www.alcaldiamanizales.gov.co

Manizales is a city and municipality in central Colombia, capital of Department (state/providence) of Caldas and part of the region of Colombian Coffee-Growers Axis. Founded near the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in 1849 by a group of twenty Antioquians represented by Fermín López, Manuel Grisales, José María Osorio, Joaquín, Antonio, Victoriano Arango Gabriel Arango, Antonio Ceballos, Eduardo Hoyos and Marcelino Palacio, in the middle of a Civil War between bipartisan followers; Liberals against Conservatives.

Nowadays the city is the main center for the production of Colombian coffee and an important hub for higher educational institutions.


Contents

[edit] Geography

The city of Manizales is described as having "abrupt topography"; it is built in a mountain region with a number of ridgelines and steep slopes. Combined with the seismic instability of the area, this has required architectural adaptations and public works to make the city safer. Even though Manizales has a very difficult topography, there are a lot of coffee plantations in these fertile lands. The city is located in the north of the Colombian Coffee-Growers Axis ("Eje Cafetero"), near the volcano Nevado del Ruiz, at a height of about 2153 meters.

[edit] History

Manizales was founded by a the group of colonos of "The Expedition of the 20", which came from Neira and Salamina. Manizales was founded October 12th, 1849.

[edit] Hydrography

Cuenca of the Rio Chinchiná and subriver basin of the Guacaica River.

[edit] Natural threats

Earthquakes, slides, and volcanic eruptions

[edit] Culture

Important culture event held here is the International Theater Festival, which is one of the mayor theater events in Latin-America.

Catedral de Manizales
Enlarge
Catedral de Manizales

[edit] Museums

  • Gold museum of the Banco de la Republica
  • Museum of Natural History Universidad de Caldas
  • Museum of Art Universidad de Caldas
  • Archaeological Museum Universidad de Caldas
  • Botanical Garden Universidad de Caldas
  • Natural Museum of Histories CC
  • Museum of Science and the Game Universidad Nacional de Colombia

[edit] Periodic Events

  • Annual Fair of Manizales (Feria de Manizales) [January]
  • Bullfighting Season of Manizales [January]
  • International Coffee Beauty Pageant [January]
  • International Theater Festival [September/October]
  • Manizales Jazz Festival

[edit] Education

Manizales is an important cultural and educational center : there are 7 colleges and universities :

[edit] Economy

Coffee, industries, retail, tourism, agriculture

[edit] Sports and Entertainment

The city is also known as the home of the football club Once Caldas, the surprise winner of the 2004 Libertadores Cup, South America's main club competition.

[edit] Tourist Sites

  • Gothic Cathedral
  • Nevado del Ruiz Natural Park (with caves and snow)
  • Thoughts Recinct Park (El Recinto del Pensamiento)
  • Los Yarumos Ecological Park
  • Ruiz Hot Springs ("Thermal Waters")
  • Otún Hot Springs ("Thermal Waters")
  • La Rochela
  • Santágueda
  • Simon Bolivar Park
  • (Francisco Jose de) Caldas Park
  • Rustic Club
  • Manizales Club
  • Route of Nereidas
  • Route to Neira
  • Route of Rioclaro
  • Route of Chinchiná
  • Route of La Cabaña
  • Murillo Route
  • Route of "Cerro Bravo"

[edit] Famous Manizaleños

  • Manuel María Grisales (Founder)
  • Amparo Grisales (Actress)
  • Stefano (composer and singer)
  • Gilberto Alzate Avendaño (Colombian Politician)
  • Maripaz Jaramillo (Painter)
  • Francisco Villegas (2 Guinness Records)
  • Elkin Soto (Soccer Player)

[edit] Local Personalities

  • Manuel Mejia
  • Fernando Londoño
  • Leonidas Londoño
  • Camilo Arbelaez

[edit] Trivia

  • Capital city of one of the smallest Colombian departments
  • The city with the most universities per capita in Colombia
  • Strong Spanish ancestry.
  • Houses a rare and beautiful Gothic cathedral made by a French architect
  • Its harsh topography makes it the most difficult city to drive through

[edit] Photo Gallery

[edit] Links


Coordinates: 5°06′N 75°33′W

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