Cali {kah'-lee}
Cali, the third largest
city on the Cali River in western Colombia
, has a population of 1,397,433 (1985), one of the Country's oldest founded by
Sebastian de Belalcazar in 1536. It is the capital of the department of Valle,
It is a center of trade, industry, and transportation for a rich agricultural
region. Its industrial products include tires, textiles, tobacco products,
paper, chemicals, and construction materials. Coffee
, livestock, minerals, and lumber pass through its distribution points. Cali is
the administrative center for the Cauca valley development project, which is
modeled on the Tennessee Valley Authority. The University of Valle (1945) and
Santiago University of Cali (1958) are located here. The Pan-American Games were
held at Cali in 1971. Cali also became a center of the violent international
drug trade in the 1980s.
Average temperature: 24o
Celsius, 80o Fahrenheit Year Round
Area: 1,200 Kilometers
Inhabitants: 2.5 Million
985 Meters (3000 feet) Above Sea Level
"DOORWAY TO
HEAVEN"... "SULTANA OF THE VALLE"... "A
RIVER CROSSED DREAM"
Many are the poetic
names attributed to Santiago de Cali, inspired by its paradise ambience within
which burns all the splendor, beauty, harmony, and spirit of the tropics. The
people of Cali are friendly and helpful, and greet travelers with open arms and
hearts.
The fresh Calenas breeze infuses the afternoons with magic. It is truly a
pleasure to walk about the City, appreciating the numerous buildings and
monuments still preserved in their original state. Today, Cali is the second
largest Colombian city and the dominant industrial, agricultural, and commercial
center of the Southeast part of the Country. Unlike many other South American
cities, Cali is well designed, organized, and very clean. The city has a good
network of principal roads, which makes transportation fast and efficient.
The city is split in
two by the Cali river, which is skirted by Avenida Colombia and pleasant parks
along the banks. Cali really is a "sensual" city, and when you meet
some of the woman you'll realize much more of this fact.
Women from Cali are
commonly known as "Calenas". They are warm, positive, and friendly,
and are genuinely enthusiastic about meeting new people. Most of the ladies you
will meet are relaxed and open-minded, and very receptive in their approach to
you.
With our proven system,
you can meet many women, and focus on the one who interests you the most. Spend
time with her, relax, and have fun.
Cali is a small but
important historical center, with many places to visit:
Colonial Church,
"La Merced" -
The oldest church in Cali, the first mass was celebrated in 1536. Of particular
note inside are the figures of the Virgin of Las Mercedes, a Sevillian wood
carving from the sixteenth century, and the Virgin of Los Remedios.
La Ermita -
A landmark of Santiago de Cali, this church was first built in 1678 and then
renovated in 1930 after its destruction in an earthquake. Inside is the figure
of Senor de Ia Cana which dates back to 1787.
San Antonio Church -
The top of the hill is crowned with the charming chapel of San Antonio de Padua,
a colonial church built in 1747.
Monastery of the
Church of San Francisco -
A neoclassical structure built between 1803 and 1827, with many valuable
paintings and religious artifacts preserved inside.
The Gold Museum
This museum is in the Banco de la Republica and is filled with beautiful
examples of Calima Culture goldsmithery.
Archaelogical
Museum, "La Merced"-
This popular attraction is filled with exhibits from the Tayrona, Tumaco, Cailma,
Muisca, Quimbaya, and Nadno Cuftures.
San Fernando Museum
-
This museum contains a
myriad of important religious relic.
Natural History
Museum "Cartos F Lemhan" -
Opened in 1966, this
museum specializes in Colombian fauna, particularly birds. Occasional scientific
lectures and talks are hosted here.
Modern Art
Museum "La Tertulia" - Avda.
Built in 1962, this attraction consists of an exhibition room, conference room,
open-air theatre, cinema, museum and cafeteria. lt is one of the most important
artistic centres in the City.
One of the most pleasant activities in Cali is to walk through its parks, streets,and avenues, stopping at an open air café to savor a fruit juice or local
champú, a fruit drink with corn. Avenida Colombia, with waterfalls and gardens in flower in the shade of colossal trees, makes for an agreeable stroll. The Ortiz bridge, with its traditional stone arches, is also worth seeing.
Cali is renowned for its cultural activities, and it is worth noting La Tertulia Museum of Modern Art, home for importing artistic events and both permanent and traveling exhibitions, and also the Municipal, Los
Cristales, and TEC theaters. The city also has important sports facilities and recreational parks, good restaurants and shopping malls.
