Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
D
on't let the colonial architecture fool you into think-
ing that the Spanish were the main inhabitants here.
Cuenca's human history began well before the arrival of
the Europeans. In fact, even the remnants and ruins of the
Inca Empire provide false testimony as to the first people to set foot in
this region. Cuenca's earliest known inhabitants, the
Cañaris
, had
developed a very sophisticated culture here by about 500 AD, revolv-
ing primarily around agriculture and astronomy. The Cañaris were
an industrious people known for their exceptional metalwork, partic-
ularly their ability to make jewelry.
Unfortunately for the Cañaris, they were not destined to hold this
land forever. After about 1450, the Incas, under the leadership of the
mighty Túpac Yupanqui, were determined to expand their empire
north from the ancient capital of Cuzco. The Cañari people were just
as determined, however, to resist this expansion. They fought
Yupanqui's forces successfully for several years before finally giving
in. The Incas took over and renamed the area
Tomebamba
, or “River
Valley of the Knives,” then built an illustrious city to rival Cuzco as
the new Inca capital. Perhaps the Cañaris were the fortunate ones,
because this was not to last.
Less than half a century later, in the mid-1500s, the
Conquistadors
arrived. The Spanish demolished the magnificent city and rebuilt it
in typical colonial fashion. From then on, the city was to be called
Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca
, or the “City of Four
Rivers.” The Spanish, however, were not the last people to leave their
mark onCuenca. An influx of
EuropeanJesuits
in the second half of
the 19th century permanently altered the culture, religion, politics,
and architecture of the city. Signs of the Jesuit influence remain in
churches and other buildings that stand to this day.
Today, Cuencamaintains an air of historical charm, with cobblestone
streets, architectural styles that blend together several cultures, and
exceptional arts and crafts. Yet it is also a bustling and modern city
with more than 350,000 people. In fact, it's the third-largest city in
Ecuador. It is truly a place where the magic and mystery of yesterday
meets the heartbeat of today.
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