Girón

Department: Santander Population: 50,000 Altitude: 780m Climate: Warm (average temp. 25ºC)

The town of Giron is situated less than an hour from Bucaramanga. It is a typically delightful colonial town with cobbled streets, white buildings and leafy plazas. Although not quite as attractive or quaint as, say, Barichara or Villa de Leyva it is still retains a relaxed atmosphere and a feel of stepping back in time. Unlike Barichara and Villa de Leyva only part of Giron is colonial. The town has gradually expanded and outside the colonial sector much of it is comprised of normal shop-lined town streets. As with other colonial towns the best recommendation as to what to do in Giron is simply to stroll around its enchanting streets soaking up its charming atmosphere.

The colonial sector of Giron is formed by 46 blocks. The most obvious place to begin your stroll through the sector is the Parque Principal upon which sits the Catedral del Señor de los Milagros (see photo, above) and the Giron city hall, opposite the cathedral. Two blocks behind the cathedral is the quiet little Parque Peralta around which the town was first settled. Two blocks south from Parque Peralta is Plazuela de las Nieves and a small chapel called Capilla de las Nieves.

The southern limit of Giron is the Rio de Oro (River of Gold). In 2005, after days of heavy rain, the river burst its banks and flooded much of Giron. Some of the lumps of concrete which were washed away during the floods are still visible in the muddy waters of the river. At the point where the bridge spans the river you can find a large number of stalls selling handicrafts, typical sweets and other souvenirs.

Accommodation

Giron Chillout: Calle 32 No. 24-36,  Tel. (7) 6914106,  website

An excellent choice situated a block and a half from the main plaza. This pretty colonial builing has comfortable rooms which sleep between one and three people. Also included is a well-equiped kitchen, laundry, cable TV and wi-fi.

Hotel Las Nieves: Calle 30 No. 25-71,  Tel. (7) 6468968,  website

A great place to spend a night or two. Set in a beautiful colonial building right on the main plaza. Rooms available for between two and five people. All rooms include an en-suite bathroom and cable TV. There is also a decent restaurant which serves typical colombian food.