Ventaquemada Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Ventaquemada

Padua, La Venta

Municipality and town

Church of Ventaquemada

Flag

Seal

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

Country

Colombia

Department

Boyacá

Province

Central Boyacá Province

Founded

17 December 1777

Founded by

Manuel Antonio Flores

Area

• Municipality and town

159.329 km² (61.517 sq mi)

• Urban

0.52 km² (0.20 sq mi)

Elevation

2,630 m (8,630 ft)

Population

(2015)

• Municipality and town

15,442

• Density

96.919/km² (251.019/sq mi)

• Urban

2,399

Time zone

UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)

Ventaquemada is a town and a municipality (like a county or district) in the Boyacá area of Colombia. It is part of the Central Boyacá Province.

Ventaquemada is about 98 kilometers (61 miles) from Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. It is also 29 kilometers (18 miles) from Tunja, which is the capital of the Boyacá Department. The town is located high up, at 2,630 meters (8,629 feet) above sea level. It sits on a high plateau called the Altiplano Cundiboyacense, which is in the Eastern Mountains of the Colombian Andes.

Ventaquemada shares its borders with several other towns. To the north, it borders Tunja and Samacá. To the east, it borders Boyacá, Boyacá, Jenesano, and Nuevo Colón. To the south, it borders Turmequé and Villapinzón. Finally, to the west, it borders Guachetá, Lenguazaque, and Villapinzón.

What Does Ventaquemada Mean?
A Look at Ventaquemada's History
What Ventaquemada Does for Money
Famous People from Ventaquemada
Images for kids
See also

What Does Ventaquemada Mean?

The name "Ventaquemada" has an interesting history. Before it was called Ventaquemada, the town had other names like Padua and La Venta. These names showed that it was a busy trading spot. It was in a very important location along the main road between Bogotá and Tunja. These two cities were the most important places on the Altiplano long ago.

The name "Ventaquemada" means "burnt sale" or "burnt inn." This name was given to the town after some buildings belonging to a family named Albarracín were burned down.

A Look at Ventaquemada's History

Early Inhabitants: The Muisca People

Long before the Spanish arrived, the area where Ventaquemada is now was home to the Muisca. The Muisca were a group of indigenous people who lived in a loose "confederation" (a group of states working together). Ventaquemada was part of the land ruled by the zaque (a Muisca ruler) of Hunza.

When Ventaquemada Was Founded

Modern Ventaquemada was officially founded on December 17, 1777. It was founded by a person called a viceroy, Manuel Antonio Flórez. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a colony in the name of the king of Spain.

Ventaquemada and Colombia's Independence

Ventaquemada is very close to a famous place called the Puente de Boyacá (Bridge of Boyacá). This bridge was where a very important battle, the Battle of Boyacá, took place. This battle was a big step in Colombia's fight to become independent from Spain.

In Ventaquemada, you can still see a classic old colonial house. There is also a statue honoring Simón Bolívar, a hero who helped many South American countries gain their independence. The town also used to have a train station, but it has been empty and unused for a long time.

What Ventaquemada Does for Money

The main way people in Ventaquemada make a living is through agriculture. This means they grow crops. The most important crops grown here are potatoes and maize (corn).

Famous People from Ventaquemada

Héctor Moreno: He is a former Colombian racewalker. Racewalking is a sport where athletes walk as fast as they can, but they must always keep one foot on the ground.