Manizales is the coffee capital of Colombia. Located near the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, it was founded the 12th of October in 1949 in a territory previously occupied by the Quimbaya culture. The city was affected by the battles of the civil wars that followed the independence of Colombia, and various factions fought over control of the city on more than one ocassion.Manizales garnered more attention following the separation of Panama, which motivated the instalation of railways that connected the city with the rest of the country, which boosted its economic development.The city is renowned for producing one of the best coffees in the whole world. Since the last half of the XXth century, Manizales became a hub for many superior education institutions, which in turn made the city an attractive place for students. It hosts several cultural events, as well as several museums, which combined with natural sightseeing areas and a well preserved historical heritage, make the city an interesting tourism destination.