Popayán, city in southwestern Colombia, capital of Cauca Department, on the Cauca River, at the northwestern foot of Puracé Volcano of the Cordillera Central. A rail terminus and road hub, Popayán is a trading center of the surrounding agricultural area. Sulfur mines are worked on Puracé Volcano. Industries in the city include flour milling, tanning, and the manufacture of fiber products, shoes, clothing, and bricks. A center of religious and intellectual life since colonial days, the city contains old monasteries, a cathedral, colonial houses, and three museums. It is renowned for Easter-week celebrations. The University of Cauca was founded here in 1827 on the site of a Native American village. Population (1997 estimate) 218,057.
