 The city of Loja was initially founded in
the valley of Catamayo, an area now occupied by the La Toma
airport. Loja was moved from this valley to its current
location due to a high incidence of malaria and a devastating
earthquake. The city was rebuilt in the majestic green
mountains of the southern Andes several years after its
destruction and was officially founded on December 8th, 1548
by Spanish Captain Alonso de Mercadillo. At nearly 500 years,
Loja is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador.
Its age is
evident in its rich colonial architecture, narrow streets, and
in the remaining 18th century homes. In addition to being one of the first
Ecuadorian cities, Loja is also one of the nation's most
pioneering. In 1897, Loja became the first city in Ecuador to
use electric energy, catapulting the country into the Age of
Electricity.
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