Girón, Colombia

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Girón, Colombia

Region: Santander

---

Geographic Coordinates: 7.073100, -73.168100

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 160403

Language: Spanish

---

Girón is a beautiful colonial town located in the Santander department of Colombia, Just 7 kilometers away from Bucaramanga. The town was founded in 1631 and named after Juan de Girón, A Spanish conquistador who played an important role in the colonization of this region. Today, Girón is well-known for its preserved colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The historic center of Girón is one of the main attractions for visitors to the area. The streets are lined with colorful colonial houses adorned with intricate balconies and windowsills.

Notable buildings include the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Dating back to 1659; Chapel of San Francisco Javier, Housing a collection of religious art; and Casa de la Cultura Luis Roncayolo that hosts exhibitions on local history and culture. One unique feature is its network of underground tunnels used by merchants during colonial times to transport goods between different parts without being seen by outsiders. Some portions have been restored today and can be visited as part of guided tours.

Another popular attraction in Girón is La Gruta del Indio (The Indian’s Cave), A natural cave system outside town featuring stalactites, Stalagmites, Underground rivers, And waterfalls. Visitors can explore these caves on guided tours through narrow passageways illuminated by colorful lights. Girón also has several parks where visitors can relax or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or birdwatching. One such park is Parque Nacional del Chicamocha (Chicamocha National Park) offering stunning views over Chicamocha Canyon – one among Colombia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

trying some local cuisine like empanadas de pipián filled with pumpkin seeds mixture or chicha de maíz – fermented corn-based cold drink – completes your visit to Girón. In conclusion, Girón offers visitors an opportunity to experience rich history & culture besides outdoor activities, Natural wonders & delicious cuisine. With its well-preserved architecture & underground tunnels, Girón is a charming colonial town that takes one back in time.

---

---

1. Plaza de Mercado: A bustling market square where locals sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
2. Iglesia de San Juan Bautista: A beautiful church with a striking bell tower that dates back to the 17th century.
3. Casa de Bolivar: A historic house museum that was once home to Simon Bolivar, a famous South American revolutionary leader.
4. Puente de Nuestra Señora del Rosario: An impressive suspension bridge that spans over the Chicamocha River and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Parque Nacional del Chicamocha: A natural park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
6. Museo del Bordado y la Artesanía Girónense: A museum dedicated to showcasing traditional embroidery and handicrafts from the region.
7. Mirador Los Santos: An observation deck located on a hilltop that provides panoramic views of Girón and its surroundings.
8. El Santuario de Flora y Fauna Guanentá Alto Río Fonce: A protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna species, including several endangered ones such as the spectacled bear and Andean condor.

---

1. Agriculture: Girón is known for its production of coffee, sugarcane, and fruits such as oranges and mangoes.
2. Manufacturing: The city has a growing manufacturing industry that produces textiles, clothing, shoes, leather goods, and furniture.
3. Construction: There is a significant amount of construction activity in Girón due to the city’s rapid growth.
4. Tourism: The city has several tourist attractions including historical sites like the San Juan de Girón Church and La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino museum.
5. Commerce: There are many small businesses in Girón that cater to local residents’ needs such as grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores.
6. Health services: The healthcare sector is also growing in the city with several hospitals and clinics providing medical services to residents.
7. Education: There are several educational institutions in Girón ranging from primary schools to universities offering various courses to students from different backgrounds.

---

1. Battle of Girón: In 1829, liberal and conservative forces engaged in a major battle during the Colombian Civil War. The liberals emerged victorious and established a new government.
2. Luis Carlos Galán: Born in Girón in 1943, Luis Carlos Galán was a prominent politician and journalist who was assassinated by drug cartels while running for president in 1989.
3. Francisco de Paula Santander: A hero of Colombia’s independence movement, Francisco de Paula Santander was born near Girón in 1792. He served as vice president under Simón Bolívar and is considered one of Colombia’s greatest statesmen.
4. Juan José Nieto Gil: An Afro-Colombian politician born in Girón in 1805, Juan José Nieto Gil served as governor of several provinces during the mid-19th century.
5. La Casona del Salitre: Located near Girón, this historic building is where Simón Bolívar signed the Treaty of Salitre with Spain that ended Spanish rule over Colombia.
6. El Puente de los Suspiros: This iconic bridge located at central Girón dates back to colonial times and is said to be haunted by ghosts.
7. Museo Casa Bautista Mantilla: This museum within a colonial-era house showcases artifacts from local history including traditional clothing, tools used by farmers and artisans, and religious art from different periods.
8. Casa García Rovira: This house-museum preserves objects related to General Garcia Rovira’s life (1769-1816), one of Simon Bolivar’s closest collaborators during his liberation campaign against the Spanish Empire.

---

1. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario: This historic church dates back to the 17th century and features beautiful colonial architecture.
2. Museo del Bordado en Lana: This museum showcases the traditional wool embroidery techniques of the region, including intricate designs and patterns.
3. Casa de la Cultura: This cultural center hosts art exhibitions, music performances, and other events throughout the year.
4. Monumento a los Fundadores: This monument honors the founders of Girón and features a large statue of them in a central plaza.
5. Parque Acuático Acualago: This water park is perfect for families and offers water slides, pools, and other attractions.
6. El Puente del Común: This historic bridge spans the Lebrija River and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Cueva de los Indios: Located just outside Girón, this cave system is home to ancient petroglyphs left by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago.
8. Parque Natural Regional Serranía de los Yariguíes: This nature reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna species, including rare birds like Andean condors.
9. Plaza Principal de Girón: The main square in Girón features colonial-era architecture, fountains, gardens, and plenty of places to relax or enjoy a meal or drink at one of its many cafes or restaurants.
10. Mirador Cerro La Cruz: A scenic viewpoint that overlooks Girón town with panoramic views over Santander department’s landscapes.

---

---

---

1. Festival of the Holy Spirit: A religious festival celebrated in Girón during May or June, depending on the date of Pentecost. The festival features processions, music, dancing and traditional food.
2. Festival of San Juan Bautista: Another religious festival held on June 24th to honor Saint John the Baptist. The celebration includes parades, fireworks and traditional dances.
3. Girón’s Independence Day: Celebrated every year on July 4th to commemorate its independence from Spain with parades, concerts and cultural events.
4. National Tiple Festival: Held in August each year where musicians from all over Colombia come to showcase their skills with this traditional Colombian stringed instrument similar to a guitar or ukulele.
5. International Poetry Festival: Poets from around the world gather in Girón every September for this event which includes readings, workshops and performances.
6. Christmas Festivities: Throughout December there are several events including parades featuring floats depicting different Christmas scenes and carol singing competitions.
7. Carnival of Blacks and Whites: Although not technically held in Girón (it takes place in Pasto), many people from Girón travel to participate in this famous carnival which celebrates African culture through music, dance and colorful costumes during January 2nd – 7th every year.

---

• Lechona: A traditional dish made of pork stuffed with rice, peas, onions, and spices.
• Patacones: Fried plantains served as a side dish or snack.
• Arepas: Corn cakes filled with cheese, meat or vegetables.
• Sanchocho: A hearty soup made with beef or chicken, yucca root and corn.
• La Casona de Girón: This restaurant serves traditional Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa (a platter of beans, rice, meat and plantains) and ajiaco (potato soup).
• El Fogón de la Abuela: This restaurant offers typical Colombian food like empanadas (stuffed pastries), chicharrones (fried pork belly) and grilled meats.
• La Fonda Paisa: Another popular spot for bandeja paisa and other regional dishes like mondongo (tripe soup) and cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew).
• Café del Parque: This café serves coffee from the nearby Santander region along with breakfast items like arepas con huevo (corn cakes filled with egg).

---



Parks and Recreation

1. The main park in Girón is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. It boasts beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues.
2. Families looking to beat the heat can enjoy a day at the Parque Acuático Comfamiliar water park. With multiple pools, slides, and other aquatic attractions, it’s perfect for all ages.
3. For breathtaking views of Girón and its surrounding mountains, head to Mirador de la Cruz lookout point.
4. Just outside of Girón lies Parque Nacional del Chicamocha – a national park offering hiking trails, zip lining, paragliding, and other outdoor activities.
5. History buffs will appreciate La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino – once home to Simón Bolívar during his final days in Colombia – where they can explore the gardens and learn about the site’s history.
6. A two-hour drive from Girón will take you to Laguna de Tota – one of South America’s largest lakes with plenty of fishing, boating opportunities available.
7. Cerro del Santísimo is a hilltop monument featuring an enormous Christ statue overlooking Bucaramanga (located near Girón). Visitors can hike up or take a cable car ride for panoramic views of the region.

---



Go Everywhere

---