How to Pronounce Sucre

Meaning and Context

Sucre, officially designated as the constitutional capital of Bolivia by the nation's 2009 constitution, stands as a living monument to South American history and colonial heritage. Founded in 1538 under the name Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo, and later renamed in honor of revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre, the city served as the epicenter of the independence movement, witnessing the signing of the Bolivian Declaration of Independence in 1825. Nestled in the Andean foothills at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters, Sucre is renowned globally for its impeccably preserved white-washed colonial architecture, which earned it the nickname "La Ciudad Blanca" (The White City) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1991. Beyond its political role, it is a premier destination for cultural tourism, boasting significant attractions like the House of Liberty (Casa de la Libertad), the rich collections of the Textile Museum (ASUR), and the fascinating dinosaur footprints at Cal Orckco. The city's vibrant atmosphere is further defined by its prestigious universities, including the University of San Francisco Xavier, founded in 1624, which cement its status as a historic and educational hub.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling of the city is Sucre, which is standard in both English and Spanish. A common error, particularly in writing, is the omission of the acute accent on the 'e' (Sucré), which is incorrect as the Spanish word does not carry an accent. The name is sometimes mistakenly capitalized fully as SUCRE, which, while not a spelling error, is stylistically atypical outside of acronyms or official logos. In historical contexts, one may encounter its colonial name, La Plata or Chuquisaca, the latter being the name of the department in which Sucre is located and its pre-independence designation. Typographical mistakes often include transposing letters, resulting in Surce or Sucer. It is also important to distinguish the city's name from the now-defunct Ecuadorian sucre currency, which shares the same spelling.

Example Sentences

Many travelers begin their exploration of Bolivia in Sucre, captivated by its gleaming white buildings and serene plazas.

As the constitutional capital, Sucre houses the Supreme Court of Bolivia, while the seat of executive and legislative power remains in La Paz.

The city's historic center, a UNESCO site, offers a stunning walk through centuries of architecture, from Baroque to Neoclassical.

Researchers flock to the Cal Orckco site on the outskirts of Sucre to study the vast panorama of preserved dinosaur tracks embedded in a limestone wall.

To understand the nation's founding, a visit to the Casa de la Libertad, where the Bolivian Declaration of Independence was signed, is considered essential.

The pleasant climate of Sucre makes it an ideal base for learning Spanish or exploring the surrounding indigenous communities and their weaving traditions.

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