BY CLAY LARROY
Many people pass through
Caracas, Venezuela on their way to other destinations, such as Angel Falls,
Margarita Island or Los Roques. However, the sprawling city, a mix of modern
highrises and development as well as a colonial and historic center around the
Plaza Bolivar is well worth adding a day or two to your itinerary.
Take the usual safety precautions
for any large city, using the city's efficient subway system during the day,
but taxis at night.
1. El Teleferico - El Ávila
National Park
Take the cable car up to the top of Mt Avila for
spectacular views of Caracas and the mountains. On clear days, you can see the
Caribbean. While there, enjoy the Avila Magica Park, a meal at one of the
restaurant, ice skate at the rink or shop for handcrafted souvenirs. Take a
sweater or a jacket, for it can be cool at 6000' plus.
2. Panteón Nacional
The Panteón Nacional, formerly a church, became the resting
place for prominent Venezuelans in the 1870's. The central nave is dedicated to
Simon Boliver, with paintings depicting his life and accomplishments. The
ceremonial changing of the guard is worth seeing.
3.
Plaza Bolivar
The plaza marks the spot where Diego de Losada founded
the city in 1567. Public buildings like Capitolio Nacional, the Catedral
Metropolitana, the Foreign Office and the Palacio Municipal surround the
square. But, the real meaning of Plaza Bolivar is found in its energy, which
keeps Caracas alive.
With its original facade dating from the end of the
17th century, the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral grounds the Plaza Bolívar.
The main altar is a magnificent Baroque creation gilded with more than 300
pounds of gold leaf.
The former sacristy
and ecclesiastical prison adjoining the cathedral, is a museum displaying
religious statues and colonial costumes. The silver canopy made to cover the
statue of Our Lady of the Rosary is particularly ornate.
5.
Parque Los Chorros
"Located at the foot of Caracas' Avila Mountain,
Parque Los Chorros consists of 4.5 hectares of exuberant nature including the
only natural waterfall in a capital city park. The landscape spans several
levels with a descent of more than 100 steps, tunnels, bridges and benches from
which to contemplate large trees, mountain springs and lush vegetation."
6. Casa Natal and
Museo Bolívar
"A memorial to Simon Bolivar, it’s no surprise
that great care is taken over the maintenance of his birthplace. The visitor
can feel the past in the walls, rooms, interior yards, plants and decor.
Bolivar's great-grandfather built the house and it still holds family portraits
and antique furniture. As an additional attraction, there are several
magnificent epic paintings by Venezuelan artist Tito Salas."
7.
Iglesia de San Francisco
A national monument and the site of Simón Bolívar's
proclamation as El Libertador and
of funeral 12 years after his 1830 death, the church is a marvelous example of
colonial architecture with its richly gilded altars, this church is one of the
oldest in the city.
8.
La Casa Amarilla
"To enrich your visit to the historical center of
Caracas, you may include the Casa Amarilla, a building that stands on the same
grounds where the Caracas Royal Prison was located during colonial times, at
the beginning of the 17th century. You will enjoy the traditional style in the
construction and furniture, plus you will also have a first-hand encounter with
the tireless activity of the Venezuelan Foreign Office. Guided tours are
provided by the Protocol Department."
9.
Galeria de Arte Nacional
"Known around town as the "GAN," the
interesting National Art Gallery, across the circular Plaza Morelos from the
Museum of Natural Science, displays more than 4,000 works of art from
Venezuela's proud past. It shares a building with the Museo de Bellas Artes,
which exhibits a random selection of art from all around the globe. The top
floor is a terrace offering views over Parque Los Caobos and much of
Caracas."
10.
Jardin Botanico
"Created in 1944, Caracas Botanical Garden is a
display of exuberant nature. It contains more than 2,000 native and
non-indigenous species as well as more than 100 types of palms and four
greenhouses for bromeliads, ferns, orchids and shade plants. In addition,
100,000 trees belonging to 80 species grow in the Arboretum and more than
100,000 types of plants are found in the herbarium."
REFERENCE
SITES
http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/venregcaracas/tp/whattodoandsee.htm
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