Caracas Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Caracas

Starting the 17th century, Nue Casa Amarilla was the royal prison. Only after Venezuelan independence did it become the residence of the President. At that time, it was painted yellow, which is why it is known as "The Yellow House." Here you can take a guided tour individually or with a group.

The Caracas Cathedral is the seat of the archdiocese of Caracas, located in one corner of the Plaza Bolívar. The colonial chapel of the Trinity is notable because it is where the parents and wife of Simón Bolívar are buried. The construction of the cathedral was begun in 1666 by Juan de Medina, to replace a small church that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1641. Construction was completed in 1674. The facade, dating from 1771, is the work of Francisco Andrés de Meneses. After the earthquake of 1812, one of its towers was damaged and later reduced in size. A frontispiece was constructed in the facade in 1866. In 1932 and during the 1960s restoration and modifications were made throughout the building.

The cathedral has a romanesque plan consisting of five naves: a central one and two minor ones on each side. The central nave is separated from the lateral ones by octagonal columns with composite capitals, supporting round arches. The main altar and altarpiece are inside the presbytery located at the end of the central nave. The sacral art in the cathedral contains among others The Resurrection by Rubens, the Presentation of the Virgin by Murillo, and the Last Supper, an unfinished work by the Venezuelan painter Arturo Michelena.

Museo Sacro de Caracas was built in 1884 as a church and was transformed into a museum in 1992, housing religious objects and artifacts. The museum is located on a former cemetery, and visitors have access to some of the graves and sealed tombs. The museum has permanent and seasonal exhibitions, which showcase ornate carvings, paintings and objects of worship.

Casa Natal de El Libertador is the birthplace of Simon Bolivar. Here you will find the history of his immediate family and successive generations of Bolivars. The interior design, furniture, and paintings remain as they were in Bolivar's time. Visit this house to appreciate the historic structure and learn about one of Caracas's most famous residents.

Iglesia de San Francisco is one of the most visited churches in the downtown area of Caracas. It is a Catholic church built in 1593. Because of an earthquake, it has suffered some architectural damage, but retains its same original style. In 1956, it was named a National Monument. Visit this Neo-Baroque style church and learn more about its important role in the cultural history of Caracas.

Palacio de Las Academias is one of the oldest buildings in the city and resembles a palace. It was initially used as a government building, but today it serves as an educational center, hosting several educational academies. Take your time exploring the historic halls and rooms of the building.

Arco de la Federación, a large white arc, is a monument inaugurated in 1895. The arc statues depict important scenes and symbols of the war and resulting peace that occurred throughout 1859-1863. It stands as a witness to the hardships of war and as a symbol for freedom in a prominent position on a green, forested hill. Make sure this landmark is the one you do not skip, considering its beauty and importance to the country.

The Palacio de Miraflores (Spanish for "Miraflores Palace") is the official workplace of the President of Venezuela. It is located on Urdaneta Avenue, Libertador Municipality in Caracas. It was started on 27 April 1884 under the direction of Giuseppe Orsi and was intended as the family residence of Joaquin Crespo. In 1911, the national administration acquired the property from General Félix Galavis at a cost of five hundred thousand bolívares, and Miraflores Palace became the official presidential residence and office.

After many modifications, the current palace presents fountains encompassed by corridors and halls, such as the Peruvian Sun Hall; the Joaquín Crespo Hall; Vargas Swamp; the Ambassador Hall and Ayacucho Hall. Originallly, Miraflores Palace served as presidential residence to Cipriano Castro, and then Juan Vicente Gómez, who occupied it until 1913. From 1914 to 1922, it functioned as office to the provisional administration of Victorino Márquez Bustillos. In 1923, Miraflores witnessed the murder of Vice-president Juan Crisóstomo Gómez, brother of President Juan Vicente Gómez. From 1931 to 1935, the palace was inhabited, guarded by the army. During the governments of Eleazar López Contreras and Isaías Medina Angarita, the presidential office is modified. In 1945, Rómulo Betancourt became the first president who identifies the seat of government as Miraflores Palace, replacing the name of Federal Palace.

Basílica de la Santa Capilla is a copy of a church in France and is one of the old churches in the city. The church was declared a National Monument in 1883 and is frequently visited by tourists hoping to see its famed interior. Revel in its fine glass windows and its traditional Catholic style.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes is one of the important religious buildings in the city. It’s a very old Catholic church that dates back to 1614 and combines Baroque style with Solomonic columns and foliated volutes. The church has been refurbished multiple times since it was first built roughly four centuries ago. In 1960, it was officially declared a National Historic Monument. Be sure to visit this religious masterpiece!

Construction on the Foro Libertador started in 1981. It was built in segments and was completed in 1997. The building has two sections, one for festivals and the other for cultural events. It is surrounded by exotic trees, bushes and flowers, which enhance its beauty. It is a great place to spend time as a family.

The Panthéon (Latin Pantheon, from Greek Pantheon, meaning "Temple of all the Gods") is a building on the northern edge of the old town of Caracas. It was originally built as a church, but is now used as a famous burial place. The entire central nave is dedicated to Simón Bolívar, with the altar's place taken by the hero's bronze sarcophagus, while lesser luminaries are relegated to the aisles. The national pantheon's vault is covered with 1930s paintings depicting scenes from Bolívar's life, and the huge crystal chandelier glittering overhead was installed in 1883 on the centennial of his birth.