Also known as the "Garden City," Maracay has many attractions that were erected during the dictatorship (1908-1935) of Gen. Juan Vicente Gomez, who lived in the city and made it the virtual capital of Venezuela during his rule. His architectural legacy is concentrated on and around Avenida Bolivar in the town center. It includes the Museo de Antropologia e Historia (his former government offices), the Plaza Bolivar (the largest and prettiest in the country), the Plaza de Toros Maestranza (a bullring with beautiful Spanish-Moorish designs) and the Teatro Ateneo de Maracay. Also within walking distance and worth checking out are the Museo Aeronautico (the country's only aeronautical museum), an adjacent cultural complex (housing a modern-art museum), the colonial cathedral and the Teatro de la Opera (outstanding performances). Hotels in Maracay |