SANTA CRUZ DE LORICA
Department
Flag of the city
Its yellow colors represent the richness of the city’s land, reflected in the ears of corn and the ripe grain of rice, as basic products of its diet. The color white is an option for the social peace that is experienced in its municipality. It has in the center a circle with a light blue background, memory of the Liberator Simón Bolivar. And the color blue represents the abundance of its water resources.
Slogan of the city
The city does not have a specific slogan and seal. However, on the seal of its department is written “All things were made by Him”. This is a statement of religion and faith.
History
Santa Cruz de Lorica, founded in 1740, holds a significant place in Colombia’s history. Located in the Córdoba Department in northern Colombia, Lorica has earned the distinction of being named a Pueblo Patrimonio (heritage town) of Colombia in 2010. This designation recognizes the town’s cultural and historical significance, making it a part of the Red Turística de Pueblos Patrimonio, an original cohort of heritage towns. Being the only municipality near the Caribbean coast selected for this honor further highlights Lorica’s unique heritage and contributions to Colombia’s cultural tapestry.
Geography of the city
Santa Cruz de Lorica is located at coordinates 9°13’54” N latitude and 75°49’11” W longitude. The municipality and town have a total area of 951 square kilometers (367 square miles), with the urban area covering 7.88 square kilometers (3.04 square miles). The elevation of the city is 7 meters (23 feet) above sea level. As of the 2020 estimate, the population of the municipality and town is 115,461, with a population density of 120 inhabitants per square kilometer (310/sq mi). The urban population is recorded at 54,430, and the urban density is 6,900 inhabitants per square kilometer (18,000/sq mi).
Population
Municipality and town – 115,461 (2020)
Urban – 54,430 (2020)
One photo representative of the city
Etymology
Based on common linguistic practices, the etymology of a place name often involves historical, cultural, or linguistic factors. The term “lorica” has Latin roots and originally referred to a type of armor used by Roman soldiers. In a broader sense, “lorica” can also mean a protective covering or sheath. The town may have been named with the idea of protection or defense in mind. The name could have originated from the indigenous languages of the region. Local languages often carry unique meanings and connections to the environment, history, or cultural practices. The town might have been named during a specific historical period or event, and the name could reflect aspects of that time.
What the city is known or famous for
Santa Cruz de Lorica is known and recognized as a Pueblo Patrimonio (heritage town) of Colombia. It holds the distinction of being the only municipality near the Caribbean coast that was selected to be part of the Red Turística de Pueblos Patrimonio original cohort. This designation highlights the city’s cultural and historical significance, contributing to its recognition as a heritage destination in Colombia. Pueblos Patrimonio typically possess unique cultural, architectural, and historical features that make them important contributors to the country’s cultural heritage and tourism.
