Barinas, Barinas

Barinas (Spanish pronunciation: [baˈɾinas]) is a city in west central Venezuela. According to the 2011 census, its population is 353,442. It is the capital of the Barinas Municipality and the State of Barinas. The city of Barinas is known as the capital of the Llanos.

For other uses, see Barinas.
Barinas
City
Flag
Seal
Barinas
Barinas
Coordinates: 08°38′N 70°12′W
Country Venezuela
StateBarinas
MunicipalityBarinas Municipality
Founded30 June 1577
Government
 • MayorJose Luis Machin
Area
 • Total322.71 km2 (124.60 sq mi)
Elevation
187 m (614 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total353,442
 • Density1,100/km2 (2,800/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-4:30 (VST)
Postal code
5201
Area code(s)0273
ClimateAw
DemonymBarinés
Websitewww.alcaldiabarinas.gob.ve

History

The original city was founded under the name Altamira de Caceres on June 30, 1577 by Captain Juan Andres Varela fulfilling orders of the governor of La Grita Francisco de Cáceres, who had founded this Andean city and established it governorate in 1576.

In 1786 Barinas state was established in the territories of the existing states of Barinas and Apure. The city became the capital of the state and an important bastion of the patriots during the War of Independence. Cristóbal Mendoza, the first President of Venezuela, lived and practiced his profession in Barinas.

Etymology

The name of the city comes from an indigenous word which identifies a strong wind that occurs during the rainy season, from the valleys of Santo Domingo.

Geography

The city is located in the northwest part of the state, along the river Santo Domingo in the Andean foothills about 165 km from the city of Mérida and 525 km from Caracas. The city has about 270,000 inhabitants and is the most populous in the state of Barinas and one of the largest Venezuelan llanos cities alongside Calabozo, Acarigua-Araure, Guanare and San Fernando de Apure. The city is located about 188 meters above sea level.

Economy

The city has become an important administrative centre being the headquarters of major educational institutions such as the National Experimental University of the Western Plains "Ezequiel Zamora" and the more immediate market for everything produced in the state both in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry and oil exploitation. In recent years an important tourist industry has emerged in the city since it has served as a base or point of entry to all eco-tourism locations in the region of Western Plains.

LAI - Línea Aérea IAACA, an airline, had its headquarters on the grounds of Barinas Airport in Barinas.[1]

Transport

The city has bus transportation, consisting of 5 lines that run throughout the city with over 80 different routes. It also has a large number of taxis or rental cars providing additional transportation services in the city.

Barinas International Airport, serves Barinas with its two runways in the form of the letter "L".

Sights
Bolívar Square in Barinas.
  • The Marques Palace
  • Museum Alberto Arvelo Torrealba
  • Cathedral of Our Lady of Pilar of Zaragoza and Santiago
  • Santo Domingo River
  • Squares: Student's Square, Bolivar Square, Zamora Square, Francisco de Miranda Square, Poet's Square
  • Walk of the Trujillanos
  • The Federation Park
  • Los Mangos Park
  • Business Centers: C.C. Cima, C.C. El Dorado, C.C. Forum, C.C. Vemeca.
  • Olympic Stadium Agustin Tovar "La Carolina"
  • Botanical Garden of Unellez
  • Punto Fresco Roundabout
  • The house of Brutalis
  • Sowing Sunflower in Barinas
  • House of Culture Napoleon Sebastian Arteaga
  • Calderas Church
  • El Estudiante Square
  • Sendero de Chigüires
  • Ezequiel Zamora Square

See also

Notable Residents

References
  1. "Directory:World airlines." Flight International. 23–29 March 2004. 97.
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