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Jají, Venezuela facts for kids

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San Miguel de Jají
Jaji - un pueblo de Ejido2.JPG
Jají, Venezuela is located in Venezuela
Jají, Venezuela
Jají, Venezuela
Location in Venezuela
Country Venezuela
States Mérida
Municipalities Campo Elías Municipality
Elevation
1,781 m (5,843 ft)
Time zone UTC-4:30
Climate Cfb

Jají is a charming community located in the Campo Elías Municipality of Mérida state in Venezuela. It sits high up in the mountains, specifically in the foothills of the Cordillera Oriental, at an altitude of 1,781 meters (about 5,843 feet). This beautiful town is only 34 kilometers (about 21 miles) away from the city of Mérida.

Jají is famous for its unique look. It was carefully rebuilt in the 20th century to look like an old Spanish Colonial style village. Today, it's a very popular spot for tourists who want to experience a piece of history.

History of Jají

Jají has a long and interesting history. It was first founded way back in 1580 by a person named Bartolomé Gil Naranjo. At that time, it was known as San Pedro de Jají.

Later, in 1610, the town was refounded by García Varela. He gave it a new name: San Miguel de Jají. This name is still sometimes used today, especially in official documents.

A Restored Village

What makes Jají special is its careful restoration. In 1968, a big project began to rebuild the town. The goal was to bring back its original Spanish Colonial style look.

The restoration work was finished in 1971. Workers made sure to save the old building fronts, doors, windows, and even the original metal bars. Some of these parts are more than 400 years old!

Jají Today: A Tourist Gem

Today, Jají is a major tourist destination. Visitors love to explore its old-fashioned streets and buildings. The town offers a glimpse into Venezuela's colonial past.

You can find cozy guest houses where people can stay. There's also a museum where you can learn more about the town's history. The colonial-style church is another beautiful landmark that many people visit. It's a great place to see how towns looked centuries ago.

Images for kids

  • Jaji at the Placa Bolivar

    Jají's main square, Plaza Bolívar.

  • Street and Church in Jají, Venezuela 022

    A street view with the beautiful Jají Church.

  • Iglesia Jají

    Inside the historic Jají Church.

  • IVIC-Mérida

    Farm El Tucuche, near Jají.

See also

In Spanish: Jají para niños

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