Cochabamba is a city in central Bolivia located in a valley in the Andes mountain range. It is the fourth largest city in the country and capital of the Cochabamba Department. 

The city was part of the Incan empire when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.  

A new Spanish settlement, called Villa de Oropesa, was founded in August 1571 by order of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, Count of Oropesa. The viceroy died in 1573 and for reasons that remain unclear to this day, a second foundation took place on September 14th 1574 by the conquistador Sebastián Barba de Padilla. 

In 1786, Villa de Oropesa was elevated to city status in 1786 and adopted its name from Incan times, Cochabamba, meaning “a plain full of small lakes.” 

This second foundation is celebrated as the day of the city and department. It also gives the name to the square in the city where the events of 1574 took place – La Plaza 14 de Septiembre. 

The official foundation of the Cochabamba Department took place on January 23rd 1826. 

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