Discovering San Blas, Valencia

San Blas is perhaps one of the most important parishes in the city of Valencia, Carabobo State, Venezuela, due to its commercial and industrial significance, and above all, its history. It's also a sector that brings together a large number of the state's inhabitants. The truth is, during all the time I lived in Valencia, I hadn't visited some of its most important sites; I only used to pass by its outskirts. But this time, I wanted to take a walking tour of this important area.

At first, I was struck by the large number of houses in the best colonial style, reminding me of certain streets in the historic center of Ciudad Bolívar, Bolívar State, Venezuela. This type of architecture is quite characteristic throughout the country: houses with large facades and many windows. I once heard that the number of windows determined the purchasing power of the family living in that house; the more windows, the wealthier the family, obviously.

But beyond that anecdote, in San Blas you can find several streets lined with houses in the style described earlier, leading to its main square. There you can admire beautiful lawns, statues of the country's heroes, and, of course, a stunning church that commands attention with its architecture. It's undoubtedly a beautiful facade that you can admire while taking a break in the square. It's certainly a tourist spot and perfect for visitors who want to explore the city.

Later, I continued walking through the area intending to finish my tour. However, I was surprised to find another square, unique in that it's divided by a street. It's known as Plaza La Glorieta. I found it a beautiful square, unlike anything I'd ever seen before, divided by a street yet still forming a single, cohesive space. I spent a good while sitting on the benches there, admiring the surroundings. I could see facades that were possibly homes, or perhaps just decorative facades. In any case, it's a sight for any tourist.

For me, this tour is another activity to continue exploring the city of Valencia, a city of great historical importance to Venezuela. It was the place where the country's independence was finally achieved, later becoming an industrial city. It was also the city where I completed my university studies and worked for a time, a period that allowed me to discover many of its attractive corners, rich in architecture and history. However, I hadn't yet had the opportunity to visit San Blas.

Of course, I missed many parts of San Blas. Perhaps there are many other sites of great historical significance, but this time my intention was to at least reach the main square and then be surprised by another plaza with a unique design. In San Blas, you can find several places to have lunch or simply relax. There's bus transportation to the most important points, and it's located in a very central part of Valencia, close to the city center and its historic district, as well as the bus terminal and other municipalities in the state.

All photographs are my own work.