A colonial gem
Villa de Leyva was founded in 1572 by the Spaniards, and is considered one of the most beautiful colonial villages in Colombia.
Walking its streets at times felt more like being in a museum rather than a living town as it seems to have been almost frozen in time. It is known for its whitewashed colonial buildings, cobbled lanes and this vast Plaza Mayor, the largest in the country.
30 Comments
equinoxio21
Villa de Leyva is quite unique. We’ve been there several times. Always worth it…
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, I can imagine so. We only stayed one night but I really took to it in that short time.
equinoxio21
You have a good programme for Colombia. Enjoy.
wetanddustyroads
I like the simplicity of Plaza Mayor – nothing spectacular, yet so beautiful.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, the buildings there are simple but lovely 😀
Suzanne
Wow, Sarah. You would certainly have your camera working overtime in such a different environment. Isn’t it great that they still live how they choose without outside influence and developers? Now I know why I was getting noticed in Colombia. Funny 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Actually although the buildings here haven’t changed much, the lives of the people have, as tourism is now a big part of the town’s economy. So you’ve been to Colombia too? Which parts?
Suzanne
I have never been to South America it was our plan for 2019 when returning to housesit in UK/Europe. Hopefully one day we can manage it. Tourism is always a big thing in third world countries, and it must be hard on them when the world goes through a pandemic.
Sarah Wilkie
Oh right – you mentioned getting noticed there which is why I assumed you had been. Yes, the pandemic must have hit everyone involved in tourism especially hard. We were chatting to our guide over lunch yesterday and he told us he got by restoring and repairing motorbikes. He was lucky he had another skill to fall back on.
Suzanne
Having someone visit my blog from Colombia, Sarah 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Oh I see, of course 😄
Prior...
“frozen in time” really was a nice phrase to use and the postcard gave us a deeper glimpse
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, I’m happy you liked this 😀
Prior...
🙂
kzmcb
Very photographic, indeed, situated in front of those hills.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, it’s a lovely setting as well as being a beautiful town 😀
kzmcb
I’m assuming the social climate is comfortable. It’s one of the places I think of as being intimidating for non-locals.
Sarah Wilkie
Nowhere we’ve been so far has felt intimidating but Villa de Leyva even less so than elsewhere!
kzmcb
That’s good information, Sarah, for those of us who don’t venture far.
Marie
I’m sure the camera is going nonstop!!!!
Sarah Wilkie
Ha, you’re not wrong there!
Mike and Kellye Hefner
This is a wonderful postcard, Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks, glad you like it 😊
grandmisadventures
I would really love to visit Colombia one day. Lovely picture from there 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
From what we’ve seen so far I definitely recommend it!
margaret21
This place does have a slightly curated look to it, though it’s still attractive. Looking forward ro more postcards soon!
Sarah Wilkie
Curated is a good word for it! But beautiful and very photogenic 😍
Alison
Love your post cards Sarah, will be interesting to see more. Are you staying in an old colonial place? I’ve possibly missed some of your posts though, will have to go back!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Alison. We stayed in a lovely old colonial place in Villa de Leyva but we’re now in the coffee growing area and staying in an eco-lodge. This is only my second postcard from Colombia so I doubt you’ve missed much if anything!
Alison
Well have fun would be interesting to see where you are staying