I thought I'd finished talking about some of the places I visited on this last trip to Ciudad Bolívar, Carabobo State, Venezuela, but I forgot that on my old cell phone I have some photos of the Piar prison, specifically Manuel Piar. For context, he was an important figure in history as a hero of the independence movement. He spent his last days in this prison because he was sentenced to death by Simón Bolívar for treason. This is a very controversial story, but I'm not going to focus much on that point because I don't know much about it. However, I do know that at one point, Manuel Piar was one of the pillars of the liberation of Venezuela as a colony from Spain.
With a very characteristic blue Antillean-style facade, you can see the entrance to the house. I previously believed it was actually Manuel Piar's residence. However, it was actually a prison where he spent his final days before being shot. It's right in front of what we now know as Plaza Bolívar, formerly known as Plaza Mayor. Many claim that Simón Bolívar himself witnessed the execution of Manuel Piar from the balcony of the Angostura Congress, as part of his orders to the man.
To reach this site, we must take the route toward the city's historic center, precisely from the point known as the quadrangle formed by the cathedral, Plaza Bolívar, the Angostura Congress House, and the Governors' House. This point holds a rich history of great importance to Venezuela and preserves a beautiful architectural heritage. It would undoubtedly be a delight for many visitors.
On the other hand, admission to this prison house is completely free and includes a guide who explains certain historical facts about Manuel Piar, such as his origins, the battles he led during the independence, and the final days of his life. He also shows us certain parts of the house. Upon entering, we find a large central courtyard and countless doors that remain closed, although it is unknown what many of these rooms may contain, as they are not accessible to the public.
In reality, it is not that extensive a tour; in just a few minutes, you can see the entire house and learn about its history, until you enter the room where Manuel Piar himself remained. This is a dark room, and the guide himself explains that it was even darker in the past, with barely a sliver of light entering when Manuel Piar spent the night there. Although I think it doesn't have many interesting features or the appeal that other museums, which offer us much more, might have, I think about the historical significance of this place, imagining how, some 200 years ago, one of the most important heroes of Venezuelan independence would end up in this prison, only to die a few meters from this house. It's all the events that led to that end, and the importance of telling this story through this house, which has still stood firm for many years as a testament to the historical and architectural value of the place.
Well, with this post, I conclude this series of this last trip to a place I've been wanting to visit since the first time I went to Ciudad Bolívar. I'm left with the impression of having learned much more about the history of my country, as well as the simple fact of knowing each of these corners, each with its own beauty.
All photographs are my own.
