La Asunción

La Asunción is a city in Venezuela. It is the capital of Nueva Esparta, a state made up of three islands. The city lies on Margarita Island in the Caribbean Sea, close to the South American mainland. It sits in a green valley with hills around it, about 6 miles inland from the port city of Porlamar, where the weather is cooler.

La Asunción was founded in 1565 by Captain Pedro González Cervantes de Albornoz. One of its most notable landmarks is Santa Rosa Castle, also called Santa Rosa Fort, which was built to help protect the city. The main buildings in the city are centered around Plaza Bolívar. One of these is the Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Asunción, a church from the 16th century and one of the oldest in the country. In 2011, the city had a population of 28,513 people.

History

In 1562, Spanish villagers moved to this area to escape dangerous pirates and a cruel ruler named Lope de Aguirre. The village was destroyed by French and English pirates but was rebuilt and named a city in 1565 by Captain Pedro González Cervantes de Albornoz.

A castle called Santa Rosa de la Eminencia was built on a hill near the city after it was attacked in 1676. Building began in 1677 and finished around 1683. Later, the city was part of the Venezuelan War of Independence. The castle was left unused in 1935 but became a War Museum twenty years later. It was named a National Monument in 1965.

Geography

La Asunción is located in a fertile valley called Santa Lucia Valley on eastern Margarita Island. It is surrounded by green hills and is about 6 miles north of the town of Porlamar. Long ago, this spot offered safety from pirates because it was far from the coast. A bridge over the Río Asunción was built in 1609 and stayed there until 1970, helping people travel into the town from the north.

Demographics

La Asunción is a city in the state of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela. In 1981, the city had a population of 10,375 people. By October 30, 2010, the number of people living there grew to 28,309. For the whole state of Nueva Esparta, the population was 263,748 in 1981 and increased to 491,610 by 2010.

Government

La Asunción is the main city for the government of the area. It is the center of Arismendi Municipality in Nueva Esparta.

Arismendi Municipality, Nueva Esparta

Cityscape

La Asunción has two banks, a post office, and two museums. There is also a private hospital with modern facilities. Behind the cathedral stands the Palacio Municipal, where the state government offices are located. The Assemblea Legislativa is housed in a former Franciscan monastery that has also been used as a hospital and prison. A sundial from 1612, called the "Relox Equinoccia Inferior," can still be seen there. The Plaza of La Asunción is split into two parts: the southern half honors Simón Bolívar, and the northern half honors Luisa Caceres, with her statue placed there. An old two-story house now serves as a souvenir shop with a coffee area. The birthplace of the independence hero Juan Bautista Arismendi, who was married to Luisa Caceres de Arismendi, has been restored.

Transportation

Air

La Asunción is about 30 kilometers from the Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport. This airport has regular flights to places in Venezuela and also offers special flights to other countries.

Sea

There are ferry boats you can take from a place called Punta de Piedras, which is 40 kilometers away. The ferry company called Conferry goes to Puerto La Cruz, Guanta, La Guaira on the mainland of Venezuela, and also to Coche Island.

Landmarks

La Asunción has several important landmarks. One is the Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Asunción, built between 1570 and 1612. It is the oldest church still standing in Venezuela and has thick walls to protect against pirate attacks. Another landmark is the Santa Rosa de la Eminencia castle, built in 1682. It sits on a hill and was used to watch for invading forces. The castle also has a tunnel that connects to important buildings in the city.

The Museo Nueva Cádiz is located in a building that was once the seat of the colonial government. It now displays artifacts from before colonial times and local crafts. The Casa de la Cultura has a theater and shows pottery from before Columbus. Cerro El Copey National Park is important for its many unique animal species, including some that are found only on the island.

Notable people

La Asunción is the home to many important people.

• Juan Fermín de Huidobro was the governor of Margarita.
• Francisco Esteban Gómez was a military leader who passed away in La Asunción.
• Modesta Bor was a composer.
• Luis Beltrán Prieto Figueroa was a national politician.
• Juan Bautista Arismendi was a revolutionary general during the War of Independence.
• Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi was a hero of the War of Independence.
• José Enrique “Chelique” Sarabia was a singer and songwriter.