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Florencia

Department

Caquetá, Colombia

Flag of the city

Seal of the city  

Slogan of the city

Florencia, often referred to as the “Golden Gate to the Colombian Amazonia,” holds significant prominence in agricultural and trade activities. The areas surrounding Florencia thrive with cattle raising and rice cultivation, reflecting the region’s rich agricultural potential. Beyond its agrarian pursuits, the city functions as a pivotal trading hub for the thickly forested terrains that stretch to its south and east. A crucial roadway connects Florencia to Neiva, the capital of the Huila department, situated approximately 95 miles (153 km) to the north-northeast amidst the Andean mountains.

History

Florencia, situated in an area once inhabited by the Andaquí ethnic group, also saw the presence of the Witoto and Coreguaje tribes. In 1542, Spanish conquistador Hernán Pérez de Quesada first explored this region. The foundation of Florencia can be attributed to Capuchin Friar Doroteo De Pupiales, who was born in Pupiales, Nariño, Colombia, on December 25, 1902. The establishment of rubber plantations in various regions, now part of the Caqueta department, spurred the city’s development alongside the Hacha River. Its prominence grew after the creation of a trail connecting it to the town of Guadalupe in today’s Huila department.
Climatically, Florencia is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate and receives substantial rainfall throughout the year. Even the driest months witness significant precipitation. The city’s average temperature hovers around 26.1 °C or 79.0 °F. January typically has the least rainfall, while June is the most rain-drenched month. Over the course of a year, the city accumulates about 3,840 millimeters or 150 inches of rain.

Geography of the city

Situated at the foothills of the Cordillera Oriental mountain range, Florencia spans a total area of 984 sq mi. Geopolitically, the city rests at an altitude of 242 m (794 ft) and 1°36′50″N 75°36′46″W. The boundaries of Florencia encompass the following regions: It shares its northern borders with the Huila Department and the municipality of El Paujil. To the east, it’s bordered by the municipalities of El Paujil and La Montañita. The southern perimeter is adjacent to the municipalities of Milán and Morelia, while on its western side, it neighbors the municipality of Belén de Andaquies and the Huila Department.

Population

198,028(2023)

168,346(2018)

One photo representative of the city

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes stands prominently in Florencia, Colombia, as a testament to Catholic devotion dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Lourdes. Situated on the western edge of Plaza San Francisco de Asís in Florencia, the capital of the Caquetá department, it serves as the principal church of the Archdiocese of Florence.
This venerable edifice’s roots trace back to August 6, 1906. On this day, rubber entrepreneur Urbano Gutiérrez, in gratitude for his flourishing ventures, procured a statue of the Virgin Mary. It was subsequently blessed by Father Lucas Ibarra and named the Church of the Holy Virgin of Lourdes of Florence.
In 1908, the inaugural temple, a wooden structure, was erected by locals at Plaza San Francisco de Asís, which was then the hamlet’s only square. But, by 1909, urban plans for Florencia evolved, resulting in the establishment of the main Plaza Pizarro, a few blocks from Plaza San Francisco de Asís.
By 1916, a successor to the original temple was constructed at the same location, led by Fray Jacinto María de Quito. That year, in July, the town witnessed the arrival of Bishop Esteban Rojas of Garzón, a primary advocate for the temple’s construction. His welcome included a street procession and a ceremony at Plaza San Francisco de Asís, where he was presented with a floral crown and later presided over the blessing of three bells named Lourdes, Divina Pastora, and San Antonio.
However, upon its unveiling to the Catholic community on July 19, 1917, the temple faced criticism from influential circles for not reflecting the community’s faith or architectural aspirations. Yet, by 1920, an adjacent convent was launched, housing a contingent of religious figures to bolster spiritual work in Caquetá. In 1925, a new statue of the Virgin of Lourdes, standing 1.25 meters, replaced the original donated by Gutiérrez.
The community’s aspirations culminated on July 20, 1932, when construction of the present cathedral began, led by Spanish friar Jaime de Igualada. After five dedicated years, the cathedral was consecrated on February 11, 1937. The local council commemorated this by allocating funds for a clock in its primary tower.

Etymology

The city’s name is a tribute to Paolo Ricci, an esteemed Italian businessman hailing from the renowned city of Florence, Italy. Florence, or Firenze in Italian, has been historically significant as the cradle of the Renaissance, an era marked by unparalleled advancements in art, science, and literature. Just as Florence has been a nexus of commerce and culture in Europe, Paolo Ricci emerged as a pivotal figure in the rubber industry. By naming the city in his honor, it symbolically connects the entrepreneurial spirit of Ricci and the rich heritage of his native Florence, intertwining the legacy of an individual with the grand tapestry of a historically rich European city.

What the city is known or famous for

Florencia hailed as the “Golden Gateway to the Colombian Amazon.” Positioned at the crossroads of the Andes and the onset of the Amazon basin, this city is a pivotal entry to the vast, biodiversity-rich Amazon rainforest. Florencia has become a magnet for ecotourism, attracting those eager to delve into the pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Amazon. Its role as a gateway underscores its significance in balancing urban development with the imperative of conserving natural environments. For many adventurers, Florencia is the starting point to explore the immense beauty of the world’s largest tropical rainforest.