Our Lady of Rosario of Chiquinquira Basilica was built in 1836 and was dedicated to the virgin of Chiquinquirá or La Chinita, which is an important figure in the Zulia region of Venezuela. The basilica features Greco-Roman and neocolonialism architecture with a classical Grecian entrance. Inside, it displays an image of the virgin painted on a table. It also houses a large assortment of religious art dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, and an 18-carat gold crown.
Carabobo Street is the restored part of the city center that reflects the colonial architecture. The businesses along the street are brightly colored with reds, blues and greens. These include restaurants, bars and cafes serving traditional foods. Vendors sell local crafts near the cross of Carabobo and La Salita. Visitors can also view the city's third oldest hotel, Hotel Caribe.
Hotel Caribe
Avenida 7 con Padilla No. 93-51, Esquina Sur Parque Urdaneta
Maracaibo, Venezuela
0261-722-5986
While there is a lot of development around Lake Maracaibo, the area still has natural wonders, including palm tree-lined shores and blue water. The lake is one of the oldest in the world and connects to the Gulf of Venezuela, making it a transport route in and out of Maracaibo. Another highlight is the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge, which is one of the largest concrete structures in the country and the world's largest concrete bridge. According to the World Wildlife Federation's Wild World report, birds living here include the pygmy swift, buffy hummingbird, and vermilion cardinal.
Plaza de Toros Monumental de Maracaibo is a bull ring that was built in 1972 and can hold up to 15,000 people. It also has a chapel and provides medical services to visitors and residents. Bull fights occur every November in celebration of the Chinita International Fair, which celebrates Our Lady of Chiquinquira.
Plaza de Toros Monumental de Maracaibo
Av 16 Goajira Con Prologacion Circunvalacion 2
Maracaibo, Venezuela, 4040
0261-749-9642
