Bogotá, the beautiful capital of Colombia, is a city that rises more than 2,300 meters above sea level in the Andes, making it not only one of the highest cities in South America but also one of the most fascinating. Here are 5 interesting facts about Bogotá you should know.
1. The Origin of the Name Bogotá
Bogotá, also known as the “Lady of the Andes,” comes from the indigenous word Bacatá, which means “enclosure beyond farming.”
This term was used to describe an indigenous Muisca and Chibcha settlement on the western bank of the Funza River (now the Bogotá River) during the Conquest period. Over time, this name became the official designation for the Colombian capital.
When the city was founded in 1538, the name was adopted, while the original indigenous territory became known as Funza. This interesting fact reveals an essential part of Bogotá’s history.
2. The Gold Museum
In the heart of Bogotá, you’ll find the Gold Museum, an extraordinary place that houses the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts in the world. In 2018, the prestigious National Geographic magazine ranked this museum among the world’s best history museums, alongside iconic sites like the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Poland, the Vatican Museums in Italy, and the Pergamon Museum in Germany, among others.
The museum preserves an astounding collection of 34,000 gold pieces, each with unparalleled beauty and unique historical value. These pieces are legacies from indigenous cultures like the Muisca and Tayrona, used both in daily life and sacred rituals. Among the numerous items, the iconic poporo quimbaya stands out, a vessel used by indigenous people to store lime for chewing coca leaves. The poporo quimbaya is renowned for its harmonious proportions and advanced technique, becoming a symbol of Colombia’s cultural identity.
3. The Term for Bogotá’s Residents
In Bogotá, terms like “rolo” or “cachaco” are commonly heard to refer to the city’s inhabitants, but there’s a distinction in their meanings that not everyone knows. The term “rolo” dates back to colonial times when the Spanish used it disparagingly to mock the mestizos born in Bogotá’s savanna. These mestizos had a peculiar pronunciation for words beginning with the letter “r,” and this accent led to the term “rolo.”
Over generations, some people have claimed that “rolo” refers to Bogotanos whose parents were not born in the city, while “cachaco” is used for those whose parents and grandparents were born in Bogotá. Despite the different terms, Bogotá’s residents generally call themselves bogotanos, with “rolo” as a colloquial term.
4. Bogotá Was Founded More Than Once
The history of Bogotá is marked by multiple founding events. The first took place in 1537 at what is now known as the Chorro de Quevedo, located at Carrera 2 with Calle 13. Shortly afterward, a second founding occurred on August 6, 1538, in Plaza Santander, led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada.
However, Bogotá’s definitive founding was on April 27, 1539, when a dispute was settled between Jiménez de Quesada, Belalcázar, and Nicolás de Federmán, with the founding act signed in Plaza de Bolívar. Although dates differ, the city celebrates August 6, 1538, as its founding day.
5. The Chapinero Neighborhood
The Chapinero neighborhood has an interesting story behind its name. In the early 19th century, this area was known as Vilorio. However, its name gradually changed due to the influence of Antón Hero Cepeda, a shoemaker of the time who specialized in a type of shoe called a chapín. As people searched for “Chapín-Hero,” the name of the area evolved into what we now know as Chapinero.
Bonus Fact: El Dorado International Airport
El Dorado International Airport, located in Bogotá, is a true giant in the airport world. It is the second busiest airport in Latin America and the leader in cargo handling. In 2022, it was ranked among the top ten airports for performance by Cirium, a global authority on aviation analytics.
What few know is that Bogotá was home to one of the world’s first aerodromes, the Techo Aerodrome. Built in 1930 in the southern part of the city, this aerodrome operated until 1959, when it was replaced by the current El Dorado Airport.
By exploring Bogotá’s curiosities, we discover a city that surprises with its fascinating history and unique features. These distinctive aspects reveal the richness and diversity Bogotá has to offer for those who wish to get to know it more deeply.
