Maracaibo, Venezuela Attractions
Maracaibo is Venezuela's second largest city, after Caracas, and is the state of Zulia's capital. Perched on the edge of Lake Maracaibo, Maracaibo was first encountered by Europeans in 1499, on Columbus' second voyage to the Americas. The city offers visitors a mix of historical structures, peaceful parks, beautiful churches and thought-provoking art.
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Basílica de Chiquinquira
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This Maracaibo church is known for its image of the Virgin Mary, which is painted on wood and can be found at the high altar. According to the local tale, in 1709 an elderly peasant woman discovered this image floating in Lake Maracaibo. Though it was damaged, she brought it home and hung it on her wall. One day, she noticed that the painting was glowing, and when she drew closer, saw that the painting was restored to its original beauty. She brought it to a church, and when miracles began happening, they were attributed to the image. Since 1942, the Virgin of Chiquinquira has been the patron saint of Zulia.
Basílica de Chiquinquirá
Paseo de Ciencias
Maracaibo, Venezuela
basilicadechiquinquira.com
Catedral de Maracaibo
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Near the Basílica de Chinquinquira is Maracaibo's cathedral, which was built in the 19th century and is home to Venezuela's much-venerated Cristo de Gibraltar or Cristo Negro. Legend says that this statue of Christ once hung in a church in the Venezuelan town called Gibraltar. In the year 1600, members of the native population attacked the town and burned it, but the statue miraculously survived.
Catedral de Maracaibo
Corner of Avenida 4 and Calle 95
Maracaibo, Venezuela
011-58-261-7225640 -
Teatro Baralt
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Teatro Baralt offers a superior example of Venezuelan Art Deco architecture. The theater originally opened in 1932, but it was closed for about a 12 years as it underwent restoration prior to reopening in 1998.
Teatro Baralt
Paseo Ciencias, across from Plaza Bolívar
Maracaibo, Venezuela
011-58-261-7223878
teatrobaralt.org
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo del Zulia
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Located north of the city's center is Maracaibo's modern art museum, which has a permanent collection and presents changing exhibits of contemporary art throughout the year. In addition to its exhibits, the museum offers educational courses, workshops, films and concerts.
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo del Zulia
Avenida Universidad
Maracaibo, Venezuela
011-58-261-7595811
Parque La Marina
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Parque La Marina's El Mirador, located on top of a 45-foot tower, offers spectacular view of the city. From there you can see the skyline of Maracaibo as well as the waters of Lake Maracaibo.
Parque La Marina
Corner of Avenida El Milagro and Avenida Bella Vista
Maracaibo, Venezuela
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- Photo Credit venezuela image by NL shop from Fotolia.com
