On the northern side of the plaza is the Casa Piar, where General Manuel Piar was kept prisoner in October 1817 before being positioned against the cathedral wall and executed by firing squad. Piar liberated the city from Spanish control, but rejected Bolívar’s authority and was sentenced to death in a controversial and much criticized trial. The plaque on the cathedral’s wall marks the spot where he was shot dead, while Bolívar watched the execution from the Casa del Congreso de Angostura.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.22 MILES
On the southern edge of the colonial sector is the tree-shaded Plaza Miranda. Positioned at the halfway point between the cathedral and the cemetery, it…
1.52 MILES
If you’re passing through the city’s airport, don’t miss the Río Caroní airplane, conveniently parked in front of the terminal building. This is the part…
0.12 MILES
The Casa del Correo del Orinoco – an example of impressive colonial architecture – houses the Museo de Ciudad Bolívar, a hodgepodge of modern art and…
Casa del Congreso de Angostura
0.04 MILES
The brash pink Casa del Congreso de Angostura dominates the western side of the plaza. Built in the 1770s, in 1819 it was home to lengthy debates by the…
0.47 MILES
The Fortín El Zamuro is a small fort built in the late 18th century atop the highest hill in the city, just south of the colonial quarter. It provides…
0.51 MILES
One of the city’s most impressive sights is the gigantic Monumento a Simón Bolívar. Erected in 1999, this 10m-high bronze statue is by far the tallest…
Museo de Arte Moderno Jesús Soto
1.3 MILES
This excellent museum has an extensive collection of kinetic works by internationally renowned artist, Jesús Soto, as well as temporary exhibits. It's in…
0.11 MILES
The Antigua Cárcel is a restored 18th-century prison building that functioned as a jail until 1952 and now contains the Bolívar state culture offices.
Nearby Venezuela attractions
1. Casa del Congreso de Angostura
0.04 MILES
The brash pink Casa del Congreso de Angostura dominates the western side of the plaza. Built in the 1770s, in 1819 it was home to lengthy debates by the…
0.04 MILES
Ciudad Bolívar's magnificent cathedral dates from 1790 and dominates the Plaza Bolívar with its yellow and white painted facade and attractive interior.
0.11 MILES
The Antigua Cárcel is a restored 18th-century prison building that functioned as a jail until 1952 and now contains the Bolívar state culture offices.
0.12 MILES
The Casa del Correo del Orinoco – an example of impressive colonial architecture – houses the Museo de Ciudad Bolívar, a hodgepodge of modern art and…
0.12 MILES
A pair of fine old buildings on both sides of the street, connected by the graceful arch of an aerial walkway.
0.21 MILES
This hilltop lookout gives you wonderful views of the enormous Orinoco River.
0.22 MILES
On the southern edge of the colonial sector is the tree-shaded Plaza Miranda. Positioned at the halfway point between the cathedral and the cemetery, it…
8. Jardín Botánico del Orinoco
0.35 MILES
Ciudad Bolívar's expansive botanical gardens contain a huge collection of tropical plants, flowers and trees.