Caracas - Venezuela Caracas the capital of the state - the state capital of Venezuela. The city is located in the mountains, in the long, narrow valley. 
It is a truly beautiful place - among the towering ridge of mountains under the sky. This city is a mystery: it is the old and new blend beautifully. Old streets and squares look great with huge skyscrapers and new-fangled buildings.
Despite the fact that the city together with its population grows very rapidly, and the territory between the mountains built up until I can not, in the city is full of green spaces and parks.
The city was founded Spanish miners. They made a settlement called Caracas, and in 1567 it became the largest city in Venezuela. During its history the city has undergone many catastrophes, it and pirate raids, and the plague, and earthquakes.
In 1812 and 1900, the city has suffered tremendous damage due to strong earthquakes. Earthquakes have claimed many lives and brought the city huge losses. But the city was rebuilt, and once in 1917 near the city found large deposits of oil, came to town during the rise.
Since the discovery of oil deposits, the "oil money" had been rebuilt a number of modern high-rise buildings, modern roads, residential centers and complexes. But despite the rapid growth of cities and the rapid building in Caracas, and were historically important places. For example, the downtown area and remained Plitsa Bolivar. Left monuments such as the Catholic cathedral, built in the 17th century, the town hall and the building of the Congress. Between the sea and the city is a reserve of El Avila, which occupies 820 square kilometers of territory.
Caracas is the commercial, financial and industrial center. Well-developed food processing, chemical and shoe industry. The city has an airport and subway.
The city is situated in the valley of the Caribbean Chacao Andna average height of 900-1000 m in 14 km. from the coast. Shielded by mountains from the north the Cordillera del Litoral, a national park. The highest peaks - Humboldt (2640 m) and Avila (2160 m).
The average January temperature - +19 ° C, in July - +22 ° C.
Administration
Administrative Caracas is a member of the Federal District (western and northern part) and the State of Miranda. Control is the mayor (elected for 5 years). Population - 5 million people.
Caracas is the largest cultural, scientific, commercial, financial and industrial center. Well-developed food processing, chemical and shoe industry. The city has an airport and the subway.
Universities and museums
Main universities:
- Central University of Venezuela (state, founded in 1725);
- University. Simona Bolivar (state, founded in 1970);
- Bolivarian University of Venezuela (state, founded in 2003);
- КCatholic University. Andreev Bello (private, founded in 1953).
The main museums are Colonial Art, Natural Sciences, Modern Art. Museum of S. Bolivar.
Pictured: Caracas. Fountain. The capital of Venezuela is located in the valley. Subway station entrance. Baseball stadium. View of Caracas at night.
Things to do
The main attractions are the Caracas.
Bolivar Area - architectural center of the old buildings of the colonial period. Laid founder of conquistador Diego de Losada in 1567. In 1874 on the orders of Gen. Antonio Guzman Blanco area was reconstructed, it is equipped equestrian statue of the hero's struggle for independence, Simon Bolivar. Along the perimeter of the area are the main building and the construction of the city, representing the cultural and historical value.
National Capitol - built in 1872 during the reign of President Antonio Guzman Blanco. Initially, there was a cabinet of ministers of Venezuela, and then the Supreme Court and the chambers of the Congress. In the northern section of the Capitol interior is decorated with magnificent battle scenes, executed by the artist Martín Tovar y Tovar.
Cathedral - first serving Church of Caracas. The cathedral was badly damaged by an earthquake on June 11 1641, And then reconstructed. Here lie the remains of the parents of Simon Bolivar. The Cathedral has an elegant interior, stands out the picture "The Secret Vespers" by the famous Venezuelan artist Arturo Michelena.
"Yellow building" ("Casa Amarilla") - located on the site of the former royal city of Caracas prison (1606) Since the end of the XVIII century. on its second floor housed the City Council, from April 19.1810 announced the beginning of the liberation struggle against Spanish rule. Since 1846. the building was the residence of the presidents of the republic.
Belongs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela.
Museum Simon Bolivar - the house where the family lived several generations of Bolivar. Place of birth of the Liberator. Interesting, too, are preserved the atmosphere of life and the life of Venezuelans in the beginning of the XIX. We present the original home furnishings, personal belongings, and portraits of family members. The later addition - an epic mural of Venezuelan artist Tito Salas, which reflects the stages of life's journey S.Bolivara.
The building of the Municipal Council - the former building of the seminary, and later - the University of Caracas. It is known that one of its limits is "Altar of free and sovereign homeland" - the old chapel, where the July 5, 1811 signed the Declaration of Independence of Venezuela.
Miraflores Presidential Palace - a service the residence of the President. Located in the old colonial part of town. Construction began in 1880 on the orders of President Joaquin chair, which he intended to place there his private residence. The author of the project - an Italian engineer, Dr. Orsi Montbelo. The building was constructed in several stages, for 20 years. Completed the construction of the architect Juan Bautista Salas. In 1911, the Venezuelan government purchased the palace.
Opposite the palace of Miraflores is located «White Palace» - the location of many government agencies.
The interior of the palace is particularly luxurious. Much of his premises, especially those associated with a variety of historical events on certain days are open for visitor access.
National Pantheon Temple of the living - is the burial place of Simon Bolivar - "Father of the Venezuelan nation," "Liberator of Latin America." There's also the place of burial and memorials of many heroes of the war for the independence of Venezuela, a number of former presidents of the Republic, prominent figures of the national culture. National Pantheon is housed in the former Holy Trinity Church, built under the direction of the architect Juan Domingo del Sacramento. Construction of the church lasted for 39 years (1744-1783gg.). 27 March 1874. Decree of Venezuelan President Guzman Blanco Church of the Holy Trinity is declared the National Pantheon. In 1876. of the Cathedral in the pantheon of the monument was moved to the Liberator, made by Peter Tenerani.
The three lines represent the honorable burial as if the three ships, forward-looking, central of which is headed by the monument of Simon Bolivar. Two other monuments dedicated to his closest companions, Francisco de Miranda and Antonio Sucre. In 1930. on the occasion of 1000 - anniversary of the death of Simon Bolivar was renovated facade of the temple has been increased and expanded the central tower. The urn with the remains of the Liberator Bolivar placed before the monument.
Origin of the name of the capital Caracas
There are several theories about the origin of the name. On one of them, the word "Caracas" in the language of the Indians meant "valley of birds singing," according to another, one of the species of trees growing in this area, the Indians called "Karaka" another used city name is "Lord of Avila." It comes from the name of the rock mass, in essence, is the northern boundary of Caracas and its natural attraction.
From the history of Caracas
It was founded in 1567 the Spanish conquistador Diego de Losada in place an Indian tribe settlements in Caracas the day of St. James (July 25) called Santiago de Leon de Caracas. Since 1577 Caracas - the residence of Spanish governors, and from 1777 - Capital - General Captaincy of Venezuela. In 1830, after separation of Venezuela from Gran Colombia and the Education of the Republic of Venezuela in Caracas is the capital of a sovereign state.
Cities just outside Caracas Venezuela.