La Paz is the capital city and the second largest city in terms of population in Bolivia. It is located on the Western part of La Paz Department. It is located at an elevation of 3,660 meters above sea level, making it the world's highest capital city and is built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu which runs northwest to southeast. La Paz is located in the valleys of the Andes, and is closer to the Eastern split of the Altiplano region.
Nuestra Señora de La Paz is the original name of La Paz City which means Our Lady of Peace. La Paz was founded in October 20, 1548 by Alonzo de Mendoza under the authority of Charles V. Gasca, the Spanish King and the Holy Roman Emperor. In 1898, La Paz was made the de facto seat of the national government.
La Paz is famous with his museums and cultural centers with a total of 10 such as Museo Costumbrista which displays ceramic dolls wearing traditional customs that show how life was in the early 1800s. Also on display are photos of old La Paz. The city hosts several cathedrals belonging to the colonial times, such as the San Francisco Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, this last one located on Murillo Square, which is also home of the political and administrative power of the country.