People and Country

In 1764 a new settlement was established at the same place which was named Santo Tomé de la nueva Guayana de la Angostura del Orinoco (Angostura = Narrow).

From 1817 to 1821, during the war of liberation against the reign of the Spanish King, Ciudad Bolivar was temporary capital of Venezuela. Here, during the congress of Angostura, Simón Bolivar proclaimed the constituion of Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. After independence Caracas was reinstalled as capital of Venezuela.

On May 3rd, 1846 the city of Angostura was named Ciudad Bolivar after the national hero Simon Bolivar. Only the 5504 ft. long suspension bridge built in 1966, the only bridge which crosses the Orinoco river, is reminiscent of the former name of the town. Cocktaillovers will know the Angostura-Bitter which is used in the 'Manhantten', but it's produced in Port-of-Spain on the independent island of Trinidad.

Ciudad Bolivar contains approximately 300.000 inhabitants and has a average temperature of about 20°C / 82°F, making it hte city with the highest average temperature in Venezuela. Here in the provinces, life moves much more slowly. Because of the great heat in the afternoon the city sinks into motionless sleep. This ends in the early evening with the sounds of salsa music coming from the ghettoblasters belonging to the roaming cassette venders. The people of Ciduad Bolivar start to stroll throught the stores on the Paseo Orinoco or through the small park Mirador Orinoco, situated on a rock which gave it's old name to Cd. Bolivar, Angostura (narrow).

The old town is situated on top of the hill which forces the Orinoco river into it's small channel.
In the surroundings of Plaza Bolivar you can easily find mamy redecorated houses form the 18th centrury. Here in the Casa del Congreso de Angostura Simon Bilivar held his famous speech proclaiming the libaration of Venezuela. Other buildings, like Palacio de Gobierno, the cathedral Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves and others (blue house) are situated on the Cuadrilatero Historico (historic quadrangle).
Even today, Ciudad Bolivar is like hundereds of years ago. Strategically the best starting point to discover the vastness of southern Venezuela. From her you can visit all places of interest with short trips.