La Grita

La Grita is a town in the north west of Táchira state, Venezuela. It has a population of 80,000. Located in an Andean valley, La Grita has a beautiful natural setting and fertile land. The town includes colonial style houses and open plazas. The area offers visitors activities including hiking, camping, mountain climbing, as well as flora and fauna observation. Religious tourism is a main attraction during Semana Santa or during the celebration of the Santo Cristo de La Grita every August 6.

La Grita
Flag of La Grita
Official seal of La Grita
Nickname: 
Atenas Del Táchira
La Grita is located in Venezuela
La Grita
La Grita
Coordinates: 8°08′N 71°59′W
CountryVenezuelaVenezuela
StateTáchira
MunicipalityJáuregui Municipality
Founded2 November 1576
Elevation
1,440 m (4,720 ft)
Population
 (2011)
  Total90,000
  Demonym
Gritense
Time zoneUTC−4 (VST)
Postal code
5001
Area code0277
ClimateAw

History

Founded by the Spanish Captain Francisco de Cáceres, in 1576, also known as Ciudad de Atenas or Ciudad del Espíritu Santo, it was the capital of the Province of La Grita (1576–1607). Later, the town was a strategic point in Simon Bolivar's "Admirable Campaign" (1813). Bolivar stayed at the "Balcony House", now known as a site of great value to Venezuela's independence movement.

La Grita was affected by the 1875 Cúcuta earthquake.

Culture

La Grita has a community TV station, Jaureguina TV.

References


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