Overview:

El Cedral is an important archaeological site, located near the town of San Juan Bautista on the north-eastern coast of Margarita Island in Nueva Esparta state in Venezuela. The site was a centre of pre-Columbian habitation that dates from the mid-16th century to the late 18th century. This site is an example of a typical colonial Caribbean settlement from the period of Spanish colonization, characterized by a mix of indigenous, African, and European cultural influences. El Cedral is a neglected colonial gem for which relatively few visitors make the effort to explore. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Venezuela
Prominent Features:

1. El Cedral is the oldest colonial town in Margarita Island. 2. The town is located on the eastern side of the island, stretching from the coast to the hilltops. 3. El Cedral features a historic central plaza which serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. 4. The Iglesia de Santa Ana church sits at the center of the plaza, and was constructed in 1580. 5. Visitors can explore the 16th-century ruins remodeled to include a museum. 6. Also found in El Cedral is a colonial fort from the 18th century that served as a defense against possible pirates. 7. The town is home to several other historic buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, including the Church of the Incarnation, the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, the Casa de los Doce Apóstoles, and the Ermita. 8. Visitors can experience unique Venezuelan cuisine, learn about local culture, visit the art galleries, and explore the nearby beaches while in El Cedral. This national monument of Venezuela portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

El Cedral is the oldest existing town on Margarita Island in Nueva Esparta State, Venezuela. It was founded in 1594 by a group of Spanish pioneers, led by Governor Antonio Berroterán, from Coro. The town was originally used to cultivate fruits and vegetables for supply ships voyaging to the Caribbean and northern South American ports. The town was initially called Santa Rosa de La Guayara, after the nearby Guayara River, which was the name of the region within Margarita Island. Later, in 1784, it was renamed El Cedral, after the parish church built that year. The church is still standing today, and is one of the best examples of colonial architecture in all of Venezuela. El Cedral quickly grew in the 17th and 18th centuries, as other settlers arrived and the region began to prosper economically. The town became the main urban center of the Island and was home to many important political, economic and religious leaders. It remained the principal commercial hub until the 19th century, when the port of La Asunción began to overshadow it in importance. Today, El Cedral is still an important destination for tourists visiting Margarita Island. It has a number of colonial-era buildings that are now protected as national monuments. The town is also the site of the annual Festival del Cristo, which includes a procession of the local church’s statute of the Christ of El Cedral. You must visit one of these historical places in Venezuela on your Venezuela tour

Interesting facts:

1. El Cedral is one of the most important historical sites in Venezuela. Located on Margarita Island, Nueva Esparta State, El Cedral served as an important defense point for the Spanish Empire during the war of independence in the 19th century. 2. El Cedral has been declared a National Historic Monument, due to its great importance in the history of Venezuela. 3. El Cedral was built by the Spanish in 1814, and is the second oldest town in Venezuela. 4. The fortifications of El Cedral were defended by the self-named “Invincibles of El Cedral”, a group of patriots who bravely fought against the Spanish. 5. El Cedral was also the last point that Simón Bolívar, the liberator of Venezuela, interviewed before his defeat at the Battle of El Cenepa in 1813. 6. El Cedral has a museum today, which contains many artifacts from Venezuela’s past. These include pieces of armor, weapons, and maps used during the few battles that were fought in El Cedral. 7. In addition to its historical importance, El Cedral is home to the annual Dia de los Muertos festival, which lasts for a week and is attended by hundreds of people. Visit one of the famous monuments of Venezuela with your friends and family.