Landmarks of Caracas facts for kids

Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela and its biggest city. It's a busy and exciting place with lots of history, culture, and beautiful sights to explore.

Paseo Los Próceres: A Walk with Heroes

The Paseo Los Próceres is a special monument. It's a long walkway with statues of important heroes who helped Venezuela become independent. It's a great place to learn about the country's history and the brave people who shaped it.

Federal Capitol: Venezuela's Government Building

The Federal Capitol is a very important building in Caracas. It has golden domes and a grand style. This building was finished in 1877. It's famous for its Oval Hall, called the Salón Elíptico. This hall has a beautiful painted ceiling and portraits of important Venezuelan leaders.

Close by is the Palacio Municipal de Caracas, which is the city hall. It was built a long time ago, in 1696, and now also houses the Caracas Museum.

East Park: A Green Oasis

A view of the Parque del Este

The Caracas East Park, officially called Parque Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda, is a wonderful green space in the middle of the city. It was designed by a famous Brazilian architect. The park has a small zoo where you can see different animals. You can also find a replica of the Leander ship, which was sailed by the Venezuelan hero Francisco de Miranda.

Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex: A Grand Theater

The Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex is the most important theater in Caracas and all of Venezuela. It's a huge place where you can watch many different shows. These include concerts with orchestras, popular music shows, operas, ballet, and plays. It's actually the second-largest theater in all of South America!

Colonial painting of Our Lady of Caracas, Patroness of the city, and below the city (circa 1766).

Simón Bolívar's Birthplace Home: Where a Hero Began

Even with tall buildings all around, you can still find a piece of old Caracas at the house where Simón Bolívar was born. He was born here on July 24, 1783. This house has been rebuilt to look like it did back then. Inside, you can see old weapons, flags, and uniforms from his time.

You can also see some of Bolívar's personal items at the nearby Bolivarian Museum. His remains were brought back from Colombia in a special coffin, and now they rest in the National Pantheon.

National Pantheon: A Place for Heroes

The National Pantheon is one of Venezuela's most respected buildings. It used to be a church, but in 1874, it became the final resting place for many important Venezuelans. It's a place to honor the country's greatest figures.

Parque Central Complex: City Living and Culture

Just a short distance from Plaza Bolívar is Parque Central. This is a large complex with several tall residential buildings. It's a busy area and a center for art and culture in Caracas. You can find museums, cinemas, and the Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex here. From the 52nd floor of the West Tower, you can get an amazing 360-degree view of the entire city!

Public Squares: Gathering Spots

Caracas has many interesting public squares, each with its own story:

• Plaza Bolívar is the heart of the old town. It has a monument to El Libertador, Simón Bolívar, right in the middle.
• Plaza Venezuela is considered the center of Caracas. It's a large plaza where you can see art by famous artists. It also has a fountain with lights and music that was updated in 2009.
• Plaza Caracas was built in 1983 and is part of the Simón Bolívar Center.
• Plaza San Jacinto is very old, dating back to 1603. It used to be where the city market was located.
• Plaza Los Palos Grandes is a modern square with a water display and a nice coffee shop. It's also a place where people can enjoy free yoga classes outdoors. It even has its own library!

El Hatillo: A Glimpse into the Past

El Hatillo colonial neighborhood

El Hatillo is a charming neighborhood that used to be a colonial town. It's located in the southeast of Caracas. This small area is one of the few places in Venezuela that still looks like it did centuries ago. It gives you an idea of what Caracas was like long ago.

Cerro El Ávila: The City's Green Mountain

Cerro El Ávila, also known by its indigenous name Waraira Repano, is a big mountain right next to Caracas. It separates the city from the Caribbean Sea. The highest point is Pico Naiguatá, which is 2,765 meters (about 9,071 feet) above sea level. People call it the "lungs of Caracas" because it has so much green vegetation.

Las Mercedes: Food and Fun

This area is known for its many restaurants offering all kinds of delicious food. You can also find pubs, bars, and art galleries here. It's a lively spot for entertainment.

Altamira Neighborhood: A Modern Hub

Plaza Francia in Altamira

Altamira is a busy neighborhood in Caracas. It has its own Metro Station, many hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants. It's an important place for business and culture. A major road, the Francisco de Miranda avenue, runs through Altamira.

Religious Buildings: Places of Worship and History

Church of La Pastora, ca. 1845 by Ferdinand Bellermann. Berlin State Museums.

Caracas has many beautiful and historic religious buildings:

• The Iglesia de San Francisco is very old and important. Simón Bolívar was declared Libertador (Liberator) here in 1813. His funeral was also held here years later. The church has amazing golden altars and old art.
• The Caracas Cathedral is the main Catholic church in the city.
• The Basilica of St. Teresa is a special church recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
• The Mosque of Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Ibrahim is one of the largest mosques in Latin America.
• The Union Israelita de Caracas is the biggest Synagogue for the Jewish Ashkenazi community in Caracas. It helps preserve Jewish heritage.
• Los Caobos is the biggest Synagogue for the Jewish Sephardic community in Caracas.