Its natural landscapes and caves make it one of the most charming destinations in Boyacá.
News Colombia.
In the heart of the department of Boyacá, just 52 kilometers from Tunja, is Santa Sofía, a municipality full of history, nature and tradition. This destination, known for its fruit production and rural charm, keeps a curious detail in its origin: its current name was given in honor of a first lady of Colombia.
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According to the Boyacá Tourist Information System (Situr Boyacá), Santa Sofía was founded on January 10, 1819 under the name of Guatoque, a word of indigenous origin that means “mountain ravine.” However, the town’s identity changed decades later due to a presidential decision that would mark it forever.
In 1906, the then president Rafael Reyes Prieto decided to change the name of the municipality. He did it in honor of his wife, Sofía Angulo de Reyes, first lady of the Republic during that period. In addition, the measure sought to avoid constant confusion between the names “Guatoque”, “Guateque” and “Guatoca”, which generated errors in correspondence and official documentation. This is how the name Hagia Sophia was born, as it has been known since then.
But beyond its history, Hagia Sophia is known for its agricultural wealth that has endured for centuries. Among its most emblematic products is the feijoa, an exotic and fragrant fruit that has been cultivated for generations in these fertile lands. Its particular flavor, between sweet and acidic, has made it a symbol of identity and source of sustenance for many peasant families.
This municipality is also distinguished by its natural tourist attraction. Its landscapes, caves, ecological trails and viewpoints are a magnet for visitors seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Sites such as the Cueva del Yeso, the Cueva de la Vaca and the Laguna Verde are part of the natural heritage that enchants locals and visitors.
Today, Santa Sofia represents a fusion of history, culture and tradition of Boyacá. Its name, linked to the affection of a president for his wife, and its agricultural legacy, based on feijoa, make this town a special destination in the center of the country. A corner where memory, land and love intertwine to tell a unique story within the map of Colombia.
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