Iglesia San Nicolás de Bari (Plaza Bolívar, Porlamar) – this neo-gothic church (built in 1853) is one of the main churches located in the town of Porlamar. The previous church was built in the 16th century and destroyed by French pirates when it raided the town in 1555. The church was named after the patron […]
Hacienda el Tanque (Avenida Esperia, Pedro González, Nueva Esparta) – located on the northeast part of the island and built in 1880, this is a historic hacienda set up for the distillation of aguardiente and rum. This was reputedly one of the 25 original distilleries of aguardiente in Margarita, which included the Distillery Altagracia, La […]
Fortin de la Galera (Lonja Pesquera, Juan Griego 6309, Nueva Esparta) – this is another Spanish colonial fortress found on Margarita Island. What makes this one unique is its history: it was a fortress occupied by Venezuelan independence forces allied to Venezuelan liberator Simón Bolívar, and was used to fight Spanish naval ships attempting to […]
Faro Punta Ballenas (Sector La Caranta, Pampatar, Nueva Esparta) – this is a lighthouse located at a Venezuelan naval base. There are stairs inside the lighthouse, along with doors at different levels – where one can get a great view of various parts of Margarita island. Free admission. Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm daily.
Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo (Pampatar Bay — Calle J.M Vargas, Porlamar 6316, Nueva Esparta) – this fortress was built in the 17th century to protect the port of Pampatar from attacks by pirates and privateers. For a long time, it was the most sophisticated military construction of the island and is currently one of […]
Castillo de la Asunción (Cantarrana La Asunción, Margarita Island) – a.k.a. Castillo de Santa Rosa, this Spanish colonial fort was built in the 17th Century to protect the island from pirate raids. It currently attracts many visitors, since it offers a great view of the town of Asunción (which the fort was named after).
Basilica Nuestra Senora del Valle (El Valle del Espíritu Santo) – this is a gothic church built to pay tribute to the patroness of eastern Venezuela. A celebration is held here in her honor every September 8. The faith that locals have on the Virgin Mary is one of the most symbolic icons in Latin […]
Plaza San Martin (Av. Nicolas de Pierola, Centro, Lima) — this square was inaugurated in 1921 to honor the first 100 years of Peruvian independence. Surrounded by Republican-era buildings (which boast a number of French architectural-influenced residences), it pays tribute to Gen. Jose de San Martín — a key figures in South America’s struggle for […]
Palacio Congreso Republica del Peru (Plaza Bolivar, Av. Abancay, block 1, Centro, Lima) — when Peru achieved independence in 1821, there was no legislative site for the country’s Congress (temporarily taking over the University of San Marcos, until a permanent Congressional building was constructed. That did not occur until the early 20th century — […]
Parque Calderón (Calle Luis Cordero e/Simón Bolívar, Cuenca) – this park is located in the center of Cuenca, and has some charming squares and churches – even street markets. It is named after Abdon Calderón (a hero who Fought for Ecuador’s independence). Even though it doesn’t feel too busy, Parque Calderón is actually surrounded by […]