Much of the city 's original splendor was destroyed on 31 March 1983 , when an earthquake toppled many buildings . Though many were rebuilt and repaired , the heart of the city still has ruins and empty lots . In 2005 , Popayán was declared by the UNESCO as the first city of gastronomy because of its variety and meaning to the intangible patrimony of Colombian culture . The culinary history of the Cauca Department was chosen because it maintains traditional food preparation methods that have been passed down orally for generations . In 2009 , UNESCO also declared the Semana Santa processions during Easter Week a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Patrimony of Humanity
an earthquake
1983 Popayán earthquake
Popayán