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Posted: Feb 25, 2010
Categories: Photo & Video Gallery, Traveling To Colombia / Tourism

Travel Highlight: Giron, Santander - A trip back in time...

Photos and Article By Manuel Rueda, Editorial Director

    

If you want to avoid the touristy atmosphere of Villa de Leyva and still get an impression of how most of Colombia looked like in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, you may want to visit Giron, in the northeastern department of Santander.

Giron is relatively large with a population of 140,000 people, but it has a well preserved historical quarter that extends for several blocks around its well known basilica and its relaxing “parque” or central square.

The town was founded in 1631 by Spanish conquistadors who exploited the region's gold mines for decades. It later became a center for Santander's  important tobacco trade and it is now a satellite city of Bucaramanga, the state capital -- and Colombia's fifth largest city -- which is only a 15 minute drive away.

Giron's cobble stoned streets are lined with 19^th century colonial houses made of adobe walls and painted white. Most houses are still inhabited or used to house restaurants, tiendas -- canteens -- pharmacies, and a couple of souvenir shops.

There are several small squares and colonial-era churches and the central park is lined with typical food stalls where you can taste some of the local treats.

If you decide to relax on one of the park's many benches, you may be approached by "troubadors", who will play a couple of folk songs for a small fee, or Gypsy women who will offer to read the palms of your hands.

The region's faithful say Giron's Basillica contains a statue of Jesus that produces miracles.

Giron stages several religous festivities throughout the year including San Benito Day on December 28^th, during which local residents paint their faces with dark paint to honor the black saint. The town also receives thousands of Colombian visitors during easter when several processions take place.