Mérida, Venezuelan Andes

I've been telling you about my beloved country and its wonderful places to visit. One of them is Mérida. Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is the capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Mérida, and is one of the principal cities of the Venezuelan Andes. It was founded in 1558 by Captain Juan Rodríguez Suárez, forming part of Nueva Granada, but later became part of the Captaincy General of Venezuela and played an active role in the War of Independence. This city sits on a tableland nestled in the valley of the Chama River, which runs from end to end. The town of Mérida is located at an altitude of 1,600 metres (5,200 feet). As background on the horizon rises the country's highest summit: the Pico Bolívar with an altitude of 4,981 metres (16,342 feet). You can go to this summit using the Merida cable car, which is the highest and largest cable car in the world. there are many touristic sites and points of interests to visit such as Monuments, public buildings, and historic places.

House of Former Governors
This colonial-style villa, located in the central quarter, was the official residence of the state governors.

Rectorate's Building
Seat of the university's rectorate and Aula Magna.

Government Palace
The government building, regional executive branch.

Plaza Monumental Román Eduardo Sandia
The Bullfighting Arena of Mérida was built in 1967. It has a capacity of 16,000 people and it is frequently used for cultural activities, besides serving its original purpose of bullfighting arena during the Sun Fairs.

Parks, squares, and sightseeing
Mérida is famous nationwide for its great number of parks and squares, providing its inhabitants with access to nature. There are, at least, a dozen squares and two dozen parks, some of which are described below.

Boulevard de los Pintores (Painters' Boulevard)
On this street painters congregate in order to create, exhibit, and sell their works.

Aquarium Garden
This aquarium exhibits both fresh and salt water fish. It also has collections relating to Mérida's rural past.

Beethoven Park
Located in front of the Museum of Modern Art in the northern area of the city, this pretty park has a clock on the ground, whose numbers are flowerpots, and large mechanical carillon clock with wooden elves that play melodies from the famous German composer.
Merida is a wonderful and peaceful place to visit and relax with all the family. you'll love it