Ráquira Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Ráquira

Municipality and town

Church of Ráquira

Flag

Location of the municipality and town of Ráquira in the Boyacá Department of Colombia

Country

Colombia

Department

Boyacá Department

Province

Ricaurte Province

Founded

18 October 1580

Founded by

Francisco de Orejuela

Area

• Municipality and town

233 km² (90 sq mi)

Elevation

2,150 m (7,050 ft)

Population

(2015)

• Municipality and town

13,588

• Density

58.32/km² (151.0/sq mi)

• Urban

3,425

Time zone

UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)

Website

Official website: http://www.raquira-boyaca.gov.co/

Ráquira is a special town and municipality in the Boyacá Department of Colombia. It is part of the Ricaurte Province. Ráquira is located on a high plateau called the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. The town center is about 2,150 metres (7,050 ft) above sea level. It shares borders with other towns like Tinjacá, Sutamarchán, Guachetá, Sáchica, Samacá, and San Miguel de Sema. It is also near Lake Fúquene.

What Does Ráquira Mean?
A Look at Ráquira's History
- Early Inhabitants
- Spanish Arrival and Founding
What Does Ráquira Do?
- Main Activities
Fun Things to See and Do in Ráquira
- A Town of Artisans
- Colorful Houses and Nearby Towns
Images for kids
See also

What Does Ráquira Mean?

The name Ráquira comes from the Chibcha language. In this language, Ráquira means "Village of the pans." This name makes sense because the town is famous for its pottery.

A Look at Ráquira's History

Early Inhabitants

Long ago, before the Spanish arrived, the area where Ráquira is now was home to the Muisca. They were an ancient group living in the central highlands of the Colombian Andes. Even back then, Ráquira was known for its amazing pottery. This was because of the special clay found in the area.

Spanish Arrival and Founding

In March 1537, a Spanish explorer named Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada traveled through the valley near Ráquira. Later, on October 18, 1580, a friar named Francisco de Orejuela officially founded the modern town of Ráquira.

What Does Ráquira Do?

Main Activities

About three-quarters of Ráquira's economy comes from its amazing handicrafts. People here are very skilled at making things by hand. Other important activities include agriculture (farming), livestock farming (raising animals), and mining.

Fun Things to See and Do in Ráquira

A Town of Artisans

Ráquira is very famous in Colombia for its many talented artisans. These artists create beautiful traditional pottery and hand-woven items. If you visit, the Sunday market is a great time to see all their creations.