Greetings, friends! It is a pleasure for me to participate for the first time in this community dedicated to the world of architecture and design. Today I would like to introduce you to the Plaza Bolivar in my hometown Maracay, located in the state of Aragua, Venezuela and a source of pride for the inhabitants of this city.
This monumental square designed by Venezuelan architect Carlos Raul Villanueva with an eclectic style, was inaugurated by General Juan Vicente Gomez, dictator of the time, specifically in 1930, with the purpose of commemorating the centenary of the death of the Liberator and Father of the Homeland Simon Bolivar. The Square was declared a national monument in 1994. The square measures approximately 106 meters wide and 320 meters long.
This place is part of the Simón Bolívar Civic Complex, together with the Opera Theater, the old Hotel Jardín, the José Antonio Páez Garrison, the Army Technical School and the current Civil Hospital. It should be noted that each structure that is part of this complex has an important historical, cultural and architectural value.
It is worth mentioning that the square has an equestrian replica of the Liberator Simón Bolívar designed in bronze by Emilio Gariboldi, a replica of the equestrian statue of the Bolívar square in Caracas. It is good to know that all the spaces are guarded by the patrimonial guard, which offers visitors a sense of security and comfort.
In addition, the space has extensive green areas with a great variety of local flora and fauna. Among the flora we can mention large Caribbean royal palm trees, mango fruit trees, flowering trees and shrubs of various types; among the fauna the animals that abound are squirrels and iguanas, both very friendly species and several species of birds that delight visitors with their song.
One of the aspects that most attracts my attention are its beautiful fountains, which are illuminated at night. We have the central ornamental fountain and a series of smaller fountains lined up to the north of the square.
Visitors can enjoy a quiet atmosphere in the bustle of the city, either resting on the benches or strolling around the gazebos. The gazebos have a striking rotunda structure with sturdy columns and granite floors that offer a sense of coolness to those who need shelter from the sun as they walk around this large space.
Families can enjoy this area along with the little ones on weekends and especially at Christmas, when the plaza is decorated for the season with colorful lighting.
One element of the square that I like a lot is its emblematic lampposts, made of solid iron with a vintage design in black. These luminaries add a touch of elegance and distinction to the square.
As I mentioned earlier, it is a source of pride for the citizens of the city to have a national historic monument of this magnitude. Those who are visiting the state of Aragua, specifically the center of the city of Maracay, cannot miss this iconic Plaza.
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