Puerto la Cruz
Encyclopedia
Puerto la Cruz is a port city located in Anzoátegui State, in Venezuela
. It is the seat of the Juan Antonio Sotillo Municipality
. The city has road connections to the state capital, Barcelona
, to Lecheria and to Guanta
, and has the potential to become the largest and most important metropolitan area in eastern Venezuela.
, the North Eastern region, and the Coastal Mountains.
In 1780, the Christian Mission
of Pozuelos (small wells) was founded by indigenous natives.
On 9 April 1862, a group of 26 families from Margarita Island decided to settle in Pozuelos Bay. As time progressed, this settlement adopted the Virgen del Amparo (Virgin of Amparo) and the Holy Cross
as their religious symbols, celebrating their patron saint on 8 November and iconography on 3 May .
By 1868 the first church was built, and slowly the name of the town was changed to Puerto de la Santa Cruz (Port of the Holy Cross), later shortened to Puerto la Cruz.
in the country, which, with its 200000 barrels (31,797.5 m³) per day processing capacity, supplies the domestic market
and exports to other Caribbean countries such as Cuba and the Antilles. Also, at 50 kilometres (31.1 mi), José Plant is one of the primary processing facilities of the largest Venezuelan oil company
, PDVSA
and is a major refining hub for the crude extracted in the states of Monagas and Anzoátegui.
The city is one of the largest tourist attraction
s in Venezuela, being the gateway to a beautiful although seriously neglected and poorly maintained national park
. The beaches of Mochima National Park
surround the city. Places such as Isla de Plata, Playa Conoma, Isla Arapo and Playa Arapito are known for their great beauty.
To the west of the city is the terminal of one of the main ferry lines linking Isla Margarita with the mainland, while to the east is a private marina that caters for tourists and visitors. Very affordable day trips are readily available to visit national park islands such as Playa El Faro, Los Chimanas, Cachicamo and Isla Borracha.
In addition to tourism, Puerto la Cruz is well positioned to become the largest city and commercial center in the region, as major international banks have established their regional headquarters there. A large number of commercial businesses, and large shopping centers
are progressively being developed.
and Great Chieftain Express (which resumed its activities in December 2006). The beaches located on the islands of Mochima National Park may also be reached from Dairy.
In the area of Guaraguao of Puerto La Cruz, there is also an terminal for the export/import of crude oil
processed at the refinery in the city.
As Puerto la Cruz does not have its own airport, it uses for air transportation Generál José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport
located in the nearby city of Barcelona.
are awaiting the signature of President Hugo Chávez
after negotiating an agreement between the mayors of Puerto La Cruz (Sotillo Municipality) and Barcelona (Bolivar Municipality) and the Chinese company Transtech Engineering Corporation for the construction of a network of modern mass transportation
. The target date for the launch of this initiative was August 2007, but since the announcement in March of that year has not been re-appointed over the project.
The first phase of construction of the Metro urban network is expected to last approximately two years to complete. According to various estimates, this would reduce by 50% the volume of traffic that is logged daily in this metropolitan area
. This ambitious project involves an air transport
infrastructure, with additional sections on land.
Universities
Institutes
Schools and Colleges
Spanish Language Schools
Baseball
The city is the home of the baseball team Caribes de Anzoátegui
(formerly known as Caribes de Oriente). The team plays at the Estadio Alfonso Chico Carrasquel
, which has a capacity of 18,000 spectators.
Basketball
The city is also home to the professional basketball team
Marinos de Anzoátegui (formerly known as Marinos de Oriente), which plays in the Polideportivo Simón Bolívar (formerly known as Polideportivo Luis Ramos), better known today as the Caldera del Diablo.
Football
The city has 2 football stadiums.
The Jose Antonio Anzoátegui stadium, with a capacity of 40,000 spectators, hosted some of the America's Cup 2007 matches among teams from Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Ecuador. The stadium is the home ground of the football team
Deportivo Anzoátegui
, which plays in the First Division of Venezuela
.
The other stadium, the Salvador de la Plaza stadium, hosts the football team Inter Anzoátegui, which plays in the Third Division.
Sports clubs
Radio
Periodicals
It has two editions for Anzoátegui (North and Central-South) and one for the state of Sucre.
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
. It is the seat of the Juan Antonio Sotillo Municipality
Juan Antonio Sotillo Municipality
The Juan Antonio Sotillo Municipality is one of the 21 municipalities that makes up the eastern Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui and, according to a 2007 population estimate by the National Institute of Statistics of Venezuela, the municipality has a population of 247,979. The town of Puerto La...
. The city has road connections to the state capital, Barcelona
Barcelona, Anzoátegui
Barcelona is the capital of Anzoátegui State, Venezuela and was founded in 1671. Together with Puerto La Cruz, Lecheria and Guanta, Barcelona forms one of the most important urban areas of Venezuela with a population of approximately 950,000.-History:...
, to Lecheria and to Guanta
Guanta
The Guanta Municipality is one of the 21 municipalities that makes up the eastern Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui and, according to a 2007 population estimate by the National Institute of Statistics of Venezuela, the municipality had a population of 31,629...
, and has the potential to become the largest and most important metropolitan area in eastern Venezuela.
Geography
The city of Puerto la Cruz is located on the southern shore of the Caribbean. The elevation of the city varies between 767 and 64 m (2,516.4 and 210 ft). The city position is at Latitude 10° 13' N and Longitude 64° 37' W. Typical temperatures vary between 25–28 °C (77–82.4 F). Borders are represented by Mochima National ParkMochima National Park
Mochima National Park is located in the States of Anzoátegui and Sucre , on the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The park covers 94,935 hectares and is made up of an exclusively marine area in its western sector , a coastal marine area that includes the Gulf of Santa Fé and Mochima Bay, and a...
, the North Eastern region, and the Coastal Mountains.
History
The history of this settlement began with the arrival of the Spanish to the northern coast, of what would eventually become Venezuela.In 1780, the Christian Mission
Mission (Christian)
Christian missionary activities often involve sending individuals and groups , to foreign countries and to places in their own homeland. This has frequently involved not only evangelization , but also humanitarian work, especially among the poor and disadvantaged...
of Pozuelos (small wells) was founded by indigenous natives.
On 9 April 1862, a group of 26 families from Margarita Island decided to settle in Pozuelos Bay. As time progressed, this settlement adopted the Virgen del Amparo (Virgin of Amparo) and the Holy Cross
Christian cross
The Christian cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is the best-known religious symbol of Christianity...
as their religious symbols, celebrating their patron saint on 8 November and iconography on 3 May .
By 1868 the first church was built, and slowly the name of the town was changed to Puerto de la Santa Cruz (Port of the Holy Cross), later shortened to Puerto la Cruz.
Economy
Puerto la Cruz is home to Puerto La Cruz refinery, one of the largest oil refineriesOil refinery
An oil refinery or petroleum refinery is an industrial process plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas...
in the country, which, with its 200000 barrels (31,797.5 m³) per day processing capacity, supplies the domestic market
Domestic market
A domestic market is a financial market. Its trades are aimed toward a single market. A domestic market is also referred to as domestic trading...
and exports to other Caribbean countries such as Cuba and the Antilles. Also, at 50 kilometres (31.1 mi), José Plant is one of the primary processing facilities of the largest Venezuelan oil company
Petroleum industry
The petroleum industry includes the global processes of exploration, extraction, refining, transporting , and marketing petroleum products. The largest volume products of the industry are fuel oil and gasoline...
, PDVSA
Petróleos de Venezuela S.A.
Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. is the Venezuelan state-owned petroleum company. It has activities in exploration, production, refining and exporting oil, as well as exploration and production of natural gas...
and is a major refining hub for the crude extracted in the states of Monagas and Anzoátegui.
The city is one of the largest tourist attraction
Tourist attraction
A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities....
s in Venezuela, being the gateway to a beautiful although seriously neglected and poorly maintained national park
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
. The beaches of Mochima National Park
Mochima National Park
Mochima National Park is located in the States of Anzoátegui and Sucre , on the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The park covers 94,935 hectares and is made up of an exclusively marine area in its western sector , a coastal marine area that includes the Gulf of Santa Fé and Mochima Bay, and a...
surround the city. Places such as Isla de Plata, Playa Conoma, Isla Arapo and Playa Arapito are known for their great beauty.
To the west of the city is the terminal of one of the main ferry lines linking Isla Margarita with the mainland, while to the east is a private marina that caters for tourists and visitors. Very affordable day trips are readily available to visit national park islands such as Playa El Faro, Los Chimanas, Cachicamo and Isla Borracha.
In addition to tourism, Puerto la Cruz is well positioned to become the largest city and commercial center in the region, as major international banks have established their regional headquarters there. A large number of commercial businesses, and large shopping centers
Shopping mall
A shopping mall, shopping centre, shopping arcade, shopping precinct or simply mall is one or more buildings forming a complex of shops representing merchandisers, with interconnecting walkways enabling visitors to easily walk from unit to unit, along with a parking area — a modern, indoor version...
are progressively being developed.
Main transport infrastructure
Large avenues cross the city, from north to south, and from east to west. Among them are:- Av. Municipal, which is the main avenue of the city, with two main traffic lanes and 2 service lanes in each direction, and was the first to be paved.
- Av. 5 Julio is the most popular avenue for trade; most shops are owned by immigrants of Arab descent.
- Av. Paseo Colon; almost all of this avenue borders the Bay of Pozuelos, which is one of the largest bays in the world. It has a beautiful boulevard very famous because that is where is located the symbol of the city of Puerto la Cruz (the Holy Cross) which is the cross representing the same, as well as the famous statue of a pirate so striking that identifies the place. In addition here are established known hotels.
- Av. Bolivar, with a number of shops devoted to the sale of automotive spare partsSpare PartsSpare Parts is a Big Finish Productions audio drama based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.Spare Parts was partially adapted into the television episodes "Rise of the Cybermen" and "The Age of Steel" although, in actuality, the two stories bear little...
, as well as car dealers. Paseo with Connects Miranda Av. Intercommunal Jorge Rodriguez (formerly Avenida Andres Bello), this avenue helps greatly to land transport. - Prolongation Paseo Colon, is a branch of Av. Paseo Colon, starts from the sector Espigón The (razil front of the Hotel), passes through the Sector El Paraiso and stay on the Ave. Americo Vespusio Dairy.
Ports and airport
Puerto la Cruz has several ports from which many destinations, attractions and shopping facilities can be reached. Margarita Island can be reached through the transport service operated by the companies ConferryConferry
Conferry is a Venezuelan shipping company operating passenger and freight services to the islands of Margarita and Coche.-Routes:Conferry operate two routes across the Caribbean Sea..* Punta de Piedras - Puerto la Cruz...
and Great Chieftain Express (which resumed its activities in December 2006). The beaches located on the islands of Mochima National Park may also be reached from Dairy.
In the area of Guaraguao of Puerto La Cruz, there is also an terminal for the export/import of crude oil
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
processed at the refinery in the city.
As Puerto la Cruz does not have its own airport, it uses for air transportation Generál José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport
Generál José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport
General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport is an airport in Barcelona, Venezuela.-Domestic Flights:-External links:...
located in the nearby city of Barcelona.
Mass transportation
According to various sources, local authoritiesLocal government
Local government refers collectively to administrative authorities over areas that are smaller than a state.The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or federal government...
are awaiting the signature of President Hugo Chávez
Hugo Chávez
Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías is the 56th and current President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. He was formerly the leader of the Fifth Republic Movement political party from its foundation in 1997 until 2007, when he became the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela...
after negotiating an agreement between the mayors of Puerto La Cruz (Sotillo Municipality) and Barcelona (Bolivar Municipality) and the Chinese company Transtech Engineering Corporation for the construction of a network of modern mass transportation
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
. The target date for the launch of this initiative was August 2007, but since the announcement in March of that year has not been re-appointed over the project.
The first phase of construction of the Metro urban network is expected to last approximately two years to complete. According to various estimates, this would reduce by 50% the volume of traffic that is logged daily in this metropolitan area
Metropolitan area
The term metropolitan area refers to a region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding territories, sharing industry, infrastructure, and housing. A metropolitan area usually encompasses multiple jurisdictions and municipalities: neighborhoods, townships,...
. This ambitious project involves an air transport
Aviation
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
infrastructure, with additional sections on land.
Places of interest
- Paseo Colon
- Andres Eloy Blanco Park
- La Toma, San Diego Sector
- The Laguna Natural Maguey
- Club Terminal Guaraguao
Education
In the city there are various universities, institutes and colleges, among which are the following:Universities
- UDO Universidad de Oriente, Nucleus Anzoátegui Av. Argimiro Gabaldon. Barcelona (Public)
- UGMA University Grand Marshal of Ayacucho. Barcelona (Headquarters)
- UNIMET Metropolitan University (Graduate Studies)
- IUPSM Polytechnic Institute "Santiago Mariño." Barcelona (Headquarters)
- USM University of Santa Maria (Nucleus East). Barcelona
Institutes
- Institute of Technology Jose Antonio Anzoátegui. (Public).
- University Institute of Technology (IUTA) with 2 locations: Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz. (Private).
- Institute Monsignor Arias Blanco. (Private).
- Instituto Universitario Pedro Maria Freites. (Private).
- University Institute of Technology "Antonio José de Sucre" (Private)
- University Institute of Technology "Rodolfo Loera Arismendi" (Private).
Schools and Colleges
- College Juan Crisostomo Falcon
- Carmen Mary College
- College Miguel Otero Silva
- Salesian College Pius XII
- Basic School Great Liberator
- L.B Mercedes de Pérez Freites
- U.E Angel Mottola
- U.E.C Antonio Maria Claret
- U.E. Dr. Cristóbal Mendoza
- U.E General Isaias Medina Angarita
- U.E College Laura Vicuna
- U.E Strings Down
- U.E Alcazar's Neveri
- U.E Bolivarian Guaraguao
- U.E Colegio Italo Venezolano, Angelo Marta
- U.E Colegio Santa Teresita.
- U.E From Jean-Jacques Rousseau Integral Support
- Dr U.E. Raúl Leoni
- U.E Eloy Guillermo Gonzalez
- U.E Eloy Palacios
- U.E Gual and Spain
- U.E Iberoamericana
- Experimental Institute U.E
- U.E Jacinto Benavente
- U.E Juan Antonio Sotillo
- U.E Lights and Virtues
- U.E Mother Maria de San Jose
- U.E Manuel Placido Maneiro
- U.E Maria Montesorri
- U.E Minerva
- U.E Our Lady of Fatima
- U.E Our Lady of Lourdes
- U.E Our Lady of Lourdes II
- U.E Romulo Gallegos
- U.E San Celestino
- U.E Liberator Simón Bolívar
- U.E Simon Rodriguez
- U.E Tomás Alfaro Calatrava
- U.E Virgen del Carmen
Spanish Language Schools
- Jakera Spanish School Playa Colorada http://www.venezuelaspanishschool.com
Sports
Despite the importance, the city also has a good efficient sports infrastructure; however, work has been carried out in the local sports complex for its full restoration, and to turn it into a real sports town because in these years there has been an increase in the Eastern sports fans.Baseball
The city is the home of the baseball team Caribes de Anzoátegui
Caribes de Anzoátegui
The Caribes de Anzoátegui is a baseball team in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League based in Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela.-Franchise History:...
(formerly known as Caribes de Oriente). The team plays at the Estadio Alfonso Chico Carrasquel
Estadio Alfonso Chico Carrasquel
Estadio Alfonso Chico Carrasquel is a baseball stadium in Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela. It is the home of Caribes de Anzoátegui. The stadium can seat 18,000 people and was originally built in 1959; rebuilt and opened in 1991 for professional baseball. It was named after former major league baseball...
, which has a capacity of 18,000 spectators.
Basketball
The city is also home to the professional basketball team
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
Marinos de Anzoátegui (formerly known as Marinos de Oriente), which plays in the Polideportivo Simón Bolívar (formerly known as Polideportivo Luis Ramos), better known today as the Caldera del Diablo.
Football
The city has 2 football stadiums.
The Jose Antonio Anzoátegui stadium, with a capacity of 40,000 spectators, hosted some of the America's Cup 2007 matches among teams from Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Ecuador. The stadium is the home ground of the football team
Football team
A football team is the collective name given to a group of players selected together in the various team sports known as football.Such teams could be selected to play in an against an opposing team, to represent a football club, group, state or nation, an All-star team or even selected as a...
Deportivo Anzoátegui
Deportivo Anzoátegui
Deportivo Anzoátegui Sport Club is a professional football club based in Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui. It was founded in 2002 andpromoted to the Venezuelan 1st division in 2007.They won the Copa de Venezuela in 2008.-History:...
, which plays in the First Division of Venezuela
Primera División Venezolana
The Primera División , or Liga Venezolana is the top-flight professional football league of Venezuela. It was created in 1921 and turned professional in 1957...
.
The other stadium, the Salvador de la Plaza stadium, hosts the football team Inter Anzoátegui, which plays in the Third Division.
Sports clubs
- Baseball: Caribes de AnzoáteguiCaribes de AnzoáteguiThe Caribes de Anzoátegui is a baseball team in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League based in Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela.-Franchise History:...
. - Basketball: Marinos de Anzoátegui.
- Football: Deportivo AnzoáteguiDeportivo AnzoáteguiDeportivo Anzoátegui Sport Club is a professional football club based in Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui. It was founded in 2002 andpromoted to the Venezuelan 1st division in 2007.They won the Copa de Venezuela in 2008.-History:...
and Inter Anzoátegui
Sister cities
- Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSanta Cruz, CaliforniaSanta Cruz is the county seat and largest city of Santa Cruz County, California in the US. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Santa Cruz had a total population of 59,946...
Puerto de la CruzPuerto de la CruzPuerto de la Cruz is a city and municipality located in Spain, on the north coast of Tenerife island, in the Orotava Valley...
, Spain
Media
TV- Televisora de Oriente "TVO"
- Puerto TV
- Anzoátegui TV
- OrbitAaTV
- Telecaribe
Radio
- La Mega de Puerto la Cruz 100.9
- Éxitos de Puerto La Cruz
- Ultra Estéreo de Puerto la Cruz
- CNB de Puerto La Cruz 93.7
- Vértice de Puerto La Cruz
- Plaza
- Exitosa
- Actualidad 640 AM
- Lasser 97.7
- Caribe 102.7
- Marina 103.7
- Cielo
- News
- Rumbera 94.5
- Turística FM
- Radio Puerto La Cruz (760 am)
- Orbita 107.5 FM
Periodicals
- El Tiempo: Leading daily Anzoátegui State
It has two editions for Anzoátegui (North and Central-South) and one for the state of Sucre.
- El Norte
- La Nueva Prensa de Oriente