Bolivia’s oldest university was at the heart of the nation’s battle for independence and remains an animated hive for the nation’s best minds.
Long before most people reach the Universidad de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca in Sucre, they’ll be familiar with its shape. Pull a 100 Boliviano note from your wallet and recognize the university’s image on the reverse side. The university is famous, not only for being the oldest educational institution in Bolivia. Over the past centuries the university has been at the heart of the Bolivian revolution, helping foster the revolutionary spirit of its students through their law and theology studies.
Today, the Universidad de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca remains active and attracts students from across the continent. Founded in 1624, the university outdates almost every university in the Western world. Only Lima’s National University of San Marcos is older than Sucre’s main university. This has helped make the institution popular with prospective students and tourists. Visit the campus to observe typical student life.
Walk through its long covered walkways to admire the architecture of the colonial-era structure. Inside some of the classrooms, bold murals adorn the walls, depicting images from the country’s early history. Look for the university’s towers and open-air courtyards, often bustling with young Bolivians.
The Universidad de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca has long had a focus on law however, its syllabus has extended to include a diverse range of courses. Today, students graduate from the university as dentists, economists and pharmacists. After exploring the school, stop for a refreshing drink at one of the many bars that cater to the student population in the streets surrounding the university.
The Universidad de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca is located in the heart of Sucre and can easily be reached on foot from most parts of the city. Avoid driving when possible, as parking in the city center can be hard to find. There is no fee to visit the university. However, some areas are restricted to students and staff.
