Cuenca history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the area where Cuenca is located today is deeply rooted in antiquity, long before the arrival of European conquerors. Initially, there was a settlement of the Cañari people here called Guapondelig, which translates as "plain as big as the sky." Later, during the Inca expansion, the majestic city of Tomebamba was erected on this site, considered the second capital of the empire and the birthplace of the Inca Huayna Cápac.

The Spanish history of the city began on April 12, 1557. By order of the Viceroy of Peru, Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza, Captain Gil Ramírez Dávalos officially founded a new settlement on the ruins of the Inca city. It received the full name Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca in honour of the Viceroy's hometown in Spain and the four rivers flowing through the valley.

Key Establishment Factors

The transformation of Cuenca into an important colonial centre in Ecuador was predetermined by a number of strategic factors:

• Unique Geography: The city is situated in a fertile mountain valley irrigated by four rivers (Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machángara). This provided residents with clean water and ideal conditions for agriculture.
• Transport Hub: Cuenca occupied a strategically important position on the route between Lima and Quito, becoming a key link between the southern and northern regions of the Andes.
• Availability of Resources: An abundance of building stone (often taken from the ruins of Tomebamba) and timber allowed for the rapid construction of substantial buildings and religious sites.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the first decades of its existence, the city acquired features that defined its further development:

• Agrarian Specialisation: The economy was based on agriculture and the encomienda system. Fertile soils allowed for the cultivation of wheat and barley and the raising of livestock, supplying food to the surrounding regions.
• Religious Foundation: Religious institutions played a central role in society. From the moment of its foundation, monasteries and temples began to be built, becoming centres not only of spiritual life but also of education and culture.
• Colonial Layout: The city was built on a strict "grid" pattern, characteristic of Spanish urban planning, which symbolised the order and control of the new authority over the territory.

Key Dates in Cuenca's History

• Around 500 AD: The Cañari people found the settlement of Guapondelig, meaning "plain as big as the sky," on the site of the modern city.
• Around 1470: The Incas, led by Túpac Yupanqui, conquer the region and establish the major city of Tomebamba on the site of Guapondelig, which becomes an important political and religious centre in the north of the empire.
• Early 1532: During the civil war in the Inca Empire, the city of Tomebamba is destroyed by the troops of Atahualpa.
• April 12, 1557: Spanish conquistador Gil Ramírez Dávalos officially founds the city under the name Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca on the ruins of Tomebamba.
• 18th Century: Cuenca becomes an important administrative and cultural centre of the colonial era; active construction of buildings in the Spanish Baroque style takes place, many of which survive to this day.
• November 3, 1820: The city proclaims its independence from Spanish rule, which becomes a key event in the regional struggle for liberation.
• 1822: Cuenca becomes part of Gran Colombia under the leadership of Simón Bolívar.
• 1830: After the dissolution of Gran Colombia, the city becomes part of the newly formed Republic of Ecuador.
• 19th Century: The city experiences an economic boom thanks to the production and export of quinine and straw hats, erroneously known globally as "Panama hats."
• December 1, 1999: The Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its well-preserved colonial architecture and layout.
• May 25, 2020: A modern tram line opens in the city, marking a new stage in the development of urban infrastructure.

Stages of Cuenca's Formation and Development

The development of the city of Cuenca was non-linear: periods of geographical isolation alternated with rapid economic growth, which formed the unique character of the "Athens of Ecuador." Here are the key milestones that defined the modern look and status of the city:

• Implementation of the "Grid" Layout (16th Century). Upon the city's foundation in 1557, the colonial urban planning scheme prescribed by the Spanish Crown was strictly observed. This decision created a clear rectangular grid of streets and blocks that remains to this day, providing the historic centre with its famous orderliness and harmony.
• Agrarian Autonomy (17th–18th Centuries). Thanks to the fertile soils of the valley and the mild climate, the region became the agricultural hub of the country's south. The development of large estates (haciendas) laid the economic foundation of the city and formed an influential class of landowners who upheld conservative traditions.
• Cinchona Boom (18th–19th Centuries). The discovery of the medicinal properties of cinchona bark (quinine) and high demand for it in Europe led to the first significant influx of international capital. This allowed the local elite to begin building wealthy residences and investing in education, giving the first impetus to the city's cultural prosperity.
• The Era of Straw Hats (Mid-19th — Early 20th Century). The export of toquilla hats (known to the world as "Panama hats") became the main economic engine of the era. Significant revenues from trade allowed for a radical transformation of architecture: modest colonial facades were replaced by luxurious mansions in the French Republican style, decorated with marble and exquisite ironwork.
• "Beneficial" Isolation (Until the 1960s). Until the mid-20th century, Cuenca did not have reliable road connections with major ports and the capital. This forced isolation played a paradoxically positive role: it saved the historic buildings from demolition for the sake of modernisation and contributed to the preservation of unique craft traditions.
• Industrialisation (1970s). The creation of the Industrial Park diversified the city's economy. Cuenca turned into a national centre for the production of ceramics, furniture, and tyres, which ensured the stable growth of the middle class and an influx of population from other regions.
• UNESCO Recognition (1999). The inclusion of the historic city centre in the World Heritage List was a turning point. This event launched large-scale restoration programmes, introduced strict urban planning standards, and reoriented the economy towards international tourism.
• Integration of Modern Transport (21st Century). The launch of the tram system (Tranvía) became a symbol of new urbanism. This project allowed for connecting historical heritage with the requirements of a modern metropolis, reducing the traffic load on ancient streets and improving the environmental situation.

The architectural appearance of Cuenca is a harmonious intertwining of eras and styles, making the city a true open-air museum. Thanks to the careful preservation of historical heritage, the centre of Cuenca was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The urban structure of the city, laid down back in colonial times, and the variety of architectural forms create its unique character.

Colonial Period: Spanish Baroque and Strict Layout

Founded in 1557, Cuenca developed in accordance with the urban planning principles of the Spanish Crown. The historic centre was planned on a strict rectangular grid, which has survived to this day. The architecture of this period was dominated by Spanish Baroque, which, however, acquired more restrained and concise features given the distance from the metropolis. A landmark building of this era is the Old Cathedral (Iglesia de El Sagrario), the construction of which began in 1567. It represents a vivid example of colonial ecclesiastical architecture, combining elements of the Renaissance and Baroque.

19th Century: Republican Neoclassicism and French Influence

The economic boom of the 19th century, associated with the export of quinine and straw hats, led to a renewal of the city's architectural appearance. During this period, Republican Neoclassicism gained popularity in Cuenca, often with noticeable French influence. Wealthy families built mansions with elegant facades, wrought-iron balconies, and internal courtyards. The pinnacle of architectural thought of this time was the New Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción). Its construction, begun in 1885, combined several styles: here one can see features of Romanesque Revival, Gothic, and Renaissance, reflecting the long period of its construction. Its famous blue domes have become one of the main symbols of Cuenca.

20th and 21st Centuries: Modernism and Heritage Preservation

In the 20th century, buildings in the Art Nouveau style and later functional structures appeared in Cuenca; however, the city avoided chaotic development that could have violated its historical integrity. The modern development of the city is aimed at a harmonious combination of the new and the old. An example is the integration of the modern tram line into the historical landscape. Cuenca's architectural development demonstrates how a city can grow and modernise while carefully preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage for future generations.

Outstanding Figures in Cuenca's History

The city of Cuenca, often called the "Athens of Ecuador," has given the country and the world many talented people in various fields — from politics and military affairs to art and sports. These individuals have left a deep mark on history and culture, shaping the unique character of the city.

• Abdón Calderón Garaycoa (1804–1822) — a national hero of Ecuador, born in Cuenca. As a young lieutenant, he showed exceptional courage in the Battle of Pichincha, which determined the country's independence. Despite numerous wounds, he remained at his post until the end of the battle, becoming a symbol of patriotism and self-sacrifice. The city's central park is named in his honour.
• Antonio Borrero y Cortázar (1827–1911) — a prominent politician, lawyer, and President of Ecuador in 1875–1876. A native of Cuenca, he was known for his commitment to democratic principles, freedom of the press, and civil rights. His presidency, although short, became an important milestone in the history of liberal reforms in the country.
• Remigio Crespo Toral (1860–1939) — one of the most influential Ecuadorian writers, a poet, lawyer, and public figure. He was a key figure in the cultural life of Cuenca, contributing to its establishment as the intellectual centre of the country. His literary legacy and educational activities cemented the city's reputation as the "Ecuadorian Athens."
• Gaspar Sangurima (c. 1780–1835) — an outstanding sculptor and woodcarver who became an icon of Cuenca's colonial art. Being self-taught, he achieved incredible mastery in creating religious sculptures, which adorn many of the city's churches today. It is believed that Simón Bolívar himself, admiring his talent, suggested he found the first school of arts in the city.
• Jefferson Pérez (born 1974) — a world-famous athlete specialising in race walking. He is the first and only Olympic champion in the history of Ecuador, winning gold at the Atlanta Games in 1996, as well as silver in Beijing in 2008. Jefferson Pérez was born, raised, and trained in Cuenca, becoming a national hero and a role model for many generations.