Girardot Municipality (Municipio Girardot)
The city of Maracay was officially established on March 5, 1701, by Bishop Diego de Baños y Sotomayor in the valleys of Tocopio and Tapatapa (what is known today as the central valley of Aragua) in northern Venezuela. According to the most accepted explanation, it was named after a local indigenous chief, and refers to the "Maracayo" (Felis mitis), a small tiger. Alternative etymologies cite a local aromatic tree called Mara.
Maracay experienced rapid growth during Juan Vicente Gómez's dictatorship (1908 - 1935). Gómez saw Maracay as a suitable place to make his residence during his rule, and ordered the construction of an Arc of Triumph, a bull plaza (a near replica of the one in Seville, Spain), an opera house, a zoo, and, most notably, the Hotel Jardín (Garden Hotel), a majestic, tourist attraction with very large gardens. The city is home to the Mausoleo de Gómez (Gómez's mausoleum), where the dictator's remains are stored.
Map - Girardot Municipality (Municipio Girardot)
Map
Country - Venezuela
Currency / Language
ISO | Currency | Symbol | Significant figures |
---|---|---|---|
VES | Venezuelan bolÃvar | BsS. or Bs. | 2 |
ISO | Language |
---|---|
ES | Spanish language |