Polycarpa Salavarrieta, Also known as The Pola She is the best known and most popular heroine among Colombians.

It represents the other feminine image, almost opposite to the traditional one: the fighting, active and courageous woman.

Policarpa was born and raised in Guaduas, in a wealthy family, which had enough to live on and was respected in the town, although it did not have any noble status.

Policarpa Salavarrieta participated in the "Cry for Independence" (considered the day of Independence of Colombia) on July 20, 1810, when he was only 14 years old, later his activities during the independence period were especially linked to the patriotic army of the Llanos.

He received and sent messages, bought war material, convinced young people individually and helped them join patriot groups.

Expert in espionage, Policarpa quickly became essential to the patriot cause.

She was sentenced to death for treason and died on November 14, 1817.

She is considered the most representative woman of the Colombian independence revolution.

At that time, the execution of a young woman for a political crime moved the population and generated great resistance to the regime of terror imposed by Juan Sámano. Although many women were similarly murdered during the Spanish occupation, the Pola case captured the popular imagination.

His death inspired poets, writers and playwrights to “immortalize” his story, always highlighting his bravery and courage.

Policarpa's image can be seen on the 10.000-peso bills and she is the only historical female personality to have appeared on them.

In the main square of Guaduas there is a statue in his honor and the house where he grew up is now a museum.
If you want to learn more about the history and life of Pola, join our next tour of Pola! Guaduas!

This article was originally written in English

Our students in front of the Policarpa house in Guaduas