Barcelona is the capital of the Anzoátegui State. Founded in 1671, Barcelona is integrated with Puerto La Cruz. Unlike Puerto La Cruz, Barcelona has well-preserved colonial architecture. Due to its historical buildings and tourism infrastructure, the city offers attractive options for the tourists visiting the eastern coast of Venezuela. Colonial buildings surround the Plaza Boyaca, the original plaza, built when the city was founded. The city's cathedral, named Iglesia El Carmen, was built between 1748 and 1773; a long period that included extensive repairs for damages caused by an earthquake. The surroundings there are very quaint and picturesque, contrasting with the modernism found in the centre of the city. At the end of the day, tourists and local people go to the Paseo Colón to take a walk, preparing their appetite for a nice dinner in one of the various restaurants of the area.

Around and closeby
Between Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz is the development of El Morro, an immense complex built to house thousands of tourists and Venezuelans in condos, apartments and hotels. The complex is home to many marinas and boatyards and is a popular cruising destination for yachtsmen. Close to El Morro is the modern shopping centre Centro Comercial Plaza Mayor, built in the colourful Dutch colonial style, similar to those found in Curaçao.

Sightseeing
Some important historical areas are centred around the three main plazas: Bolivar, Miranda and Boyacá. On the Avenida 5 de Julio there is La Casa Fuerte (strong house), a national historic monument which was initially constructed on the ruins of the old Convento de San Francisco. In 1811, during the independence war, La Casa Fuerte was taken by the founders of the republic and turned into a fortification by Simón Bolívar, being equipped with two canons to defend the city from the attacks of his opponents. After several attacks on 17th April, 1817, the house was taken and destroyed by the royal forces, which then went on decapitating all of its residents. It stands now as a reminder of the independent spirit. There is a statue of Eulolia Buroz, a woman who died in its defence.

Getting there
You can fly here from Caracas, Mérida, Barquisimeto and Maracaibo. There are also regular buses from Píritu, Clarines and Puerto La Cruz.