Tunja is one of the oldest cities in South America, It was first a Muiscas urban center, in 1000 a.c. aproximately. It was then occupied by the spaniards, who founded a city of their own in August 6th, 1539. During the colonial era, Tunja was an important political, cultural and administrative center, as well as a stanging point for expeditions to other regions of Colombia and Venezuela.Tunja Achieved its definitive independence from Spain in 1819, as part of the called "Paso de los Andes" (Crossing of the Andes), which allowed Bolívar to take the royalist defense by surprise. Much of this feats are recorded in local museums and other historical heritage in the city.During the Republic, Tunja became renowned due to its schools and education centers, and also due to harboring some of the best intelectuals of the country. By the end of the XXth century, Tunja begins experiencing an important urban expansion and an increase in private capital, which has made Tunja an important metropolis for the country.