Venezuela: Caracas – Plaza Bolivar

Plaza Bolívar is the ultimate historic, political, and symbolic heart of Venezuela. It is right in the center of the historic downtown area El Centro and it serves as the zero point from which the city’s address system was originally measured. At the center of the square stands the famous bronze equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar, inaugurated in 1874. Dominating the eastern side of the plaza, stands the Cathedral of Caracas that dates back to the 17th century and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Caracas. Palacio Municipal sits on the south side, housing the city council and historical archives, including the chapel where Venezuela’s declaration of independence was signed in 1811. Finally, Palacio Federal Legislativo is just southwest of the square, a grand 19th-century dome building serves as the meeting place for the National Assembly. But forget about all the historical architecture – there are massive fat black squirrel that call the square home!