kids encyclopedia robot

National Pantheon of Venezuela facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
National Pantheon of Venezuela
Panteon Nacional de Caracas.jpg
Details
Established 27 March 1874
Location
Caracas
Country Venezuela
Type Public
Owned by Venezuelan government

The National Pantheon of Venezuela (Panteón Nacional de Venezuela) is a special place in Caracas, Venezuela. It's where many of Venezuela's most important national heroes and famous people are laid to rest. Think of it as a hall of fame for those who helped shape the country.

This important building was created in the 1870s. It was built on the ruins of an old church called Santísima Trinidad, which dated back to 1744. The word "Pantheon" comes from ancient Greek and means "Temple of all the Gods." In this case, it's a place of honor for all of Venezuela's great heroes.

Inside the Pantheon, the main area, called the central nave, is dedicated to Simón Bolívar. He was a very important leader who helped several South American countries, including Venezuela, gain their independence. His bronze coffin, called a sarcophagus, is placed where the altar of the old church used to be. Other important figures are honored in the side areas, known as aisles.

The ceiling of the Pantheon is covered with beautiful paintings from the 1930s. These paintings show important moments from Bolívar's life. A huge, sparkling crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. It was put there in 1883 to celebrate 100 years since Bolívar's birth. The Pantheon was closed for three years for a big renovation and expansion project, and it reopened in 2013.

Gallery

Who is Honored at the Pantheon?

The National Pantheon is the final resting place for many people who played a big part in Venezuela's history. Most of them were leaders, soldiers, writers, or thinkers who helped the country become independent or worked to make it a better place.

Here are some of the most famous people honored here:

  • Simón Bolívar: Known as "The Liberator," he led Venezuela and several other South American countries to independence from Spanish rule. His remains were moved here in 1876.
  • Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi: A brave heroine of the Venezuelan War of Independence. She was known for her strength and courage during the fight for freedom. Her remains were brought to the Pantheon in 1876.
  • José Antonio Páez: A key general in the War of Independence and later a President of Venezuela. He was a very important military leader.
  • José Gregorio Monagas: A general and President of Venezuela who famously ended slavery in the country in 1854.
  • Teresa Carreño: A world-famous pianist and composer. She was a child prodigy and one of the most important musicians from Venezuela.
  • Rómulo Gallegos: A famous writer and politician who also served as President of Venezuela. His novel Doña Bárbara is very well-known.
  • Pedro Camejo: Also known as Negro Primero (The First Black Man), he was a brave soldier who fought alongside Simón Bolívar in the War of Independence.

Special Honors

Some people are honored at the Pantheon even if their remains aren't actually there. This happens when their remains haven't been found, or they are buried somewhere else, but the Venezuelan government wants to recognize their importance.

  • Francisco de Miranda: He was a Venezuelan revolutionary who fought for independence even before Bolívar. He also took part in the American and French Revolutions. His remains have not been found, but he is honored with a special monument called a cenotaph.
  • Antonio José de Sucre: A hero of South American independence and the second President of Bolivia. His remains are not in the Pantheon, but there is an empty tomb for him next to Simón Bolívar's. This shows the hope that one day his remains might return to Venezuela.
  • Guaicaipuro: An important indigenous chief who bravely fought against the Spanish invaders. He is honored for his resistance.
  • Josefa Camejo: Another heroine of the Independence War, known for her courage and leadership.

Monuments and Art

The Pantheon is not just a burial place; it's also a museum filled with art and monuments that tell Venezuela's story.

Important Monuments

  • Simón Bolívar Monument: A large sculpture of Bolívar by Pietro Tenerani, located in the central part of the Pantheon.
  • First Republic Monument: This monument, created by Hugo Daini, celebrates Venezuela's first attempt at independence.
  • Federation's Monument: By Juan Bautista Sales Ferré, this monument honors the Federal War period in Venezuela.
  • Monuments to other heroes: You can find sculptures honoring figures like José Antonio Páez, Rafael Urdaneta, José María Vargas, and Santiago Mariño.

Cenotaphs

A cenotaph is like a tomb or monument that honors someone whose remains are buried elsewhere or have not been found. It's a symbolic grave.

Paintings by Tito Salas

The Pantheon's vault and walls feature many impressive paintings by the Venezuelan artist Tito Salas. These artworks often show important historical events and figures, especially scenes from Simón Bolívar's life and the fight for independence. Some famous paintings include:

  • Apoteosis del Libertador (Apotheosis of the Liberator), which shows Bolívar being honored.
  • Bolívar en el Chimborazo, depicting Bolívar on a famous mountain.
  • Entrada triunfal de Bolívar a Caracas después de la Batalla de Carabobo en 1821, showing Bolívar's triumphant return.
  • Paintings of the Coat of arms of Venezuela and the Coat of arms of the City of Caracas.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Panteón Nacional de Venezuela para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
National Pantheon of Venezuela Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.