Valencia, Venezuela
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Valencia is the capital city of Carabobo State, Venezuela.
The city is an economic hub that contains Venezuela's top industries and manufacturing companies. The population of Valencia reached some 1.2 million in the year 2003, and it is expected to grow dramatically in the years to come. Valencia is known for its racial and international diversity.
The elevation of the city is 520 meters (1,700 ft). Valencia is located in a valley, surrounded by a mountain range called Coordillera de la Costa. On the eastern outskirts of the city lies Lake Valencia, Venezuela's second largest lake.
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History
Valencia was founded on 25 March 1555 by Captain Alonso Díaz Moreno. It was the first Spanish settlement in central Venezuela and its official name was Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Nueva Valencia del Rey. The infamous Aguirre besieged the city in 1561. In 1677 it was raided by French pirates, who burnt down its Ayuntamiento (City Hall), thereby destroying many very important documents about the early settlement of Venezuela. The German scientist Alexander von Humboldt visited the city on his trip through the Americas. He reported that at the time of his visit the city had around 6000 to 7000 inhabitants.
Sightseeing:
- Art:
- Ateneo de Valencia
- Teatro Municipal de Valencia
Museums
- Casa Paez
- Museum of Art and History (Casa Celis)
- Museum of History and Anthropology
- Iturriza Palace
Parks and other interesting places for nature lovers:
- Negra Hipólita Park
- Fernando Peñalver Park
- Parque Metropolitano
- Acuario de Valencia (largest aquarium in Latin America)
Newspapers
- El Carabobeño
- Notitarde
Transportation
The city is well connected with the rest of the country by a network of highways and roads well mantained by INVIAL. A modern metro system is being constructed that will connect the city's remote suburbs with the downtown area.
The airport, Arturo Michelena International Airport (SVVA), is the nation's third busiest.af:Valencia de:Valencia (Venezuela) es:Valencia (Venezuela) fr:Valencia (Venezuela) nl:Valencia (Venezuela) ja:バレンシア (ベネズエラ) pt:Valência (Venezuela)