Venezuela earthquake destroys colonial heritage, experts blame neglect
On June 24, a series of earthquakes struck Venezuela, resulting in over 3,000 fatalities and the destruction of more than 58,000 structures, including significant national landmarks. Archaeologist José Miguel Pérez-Gómez indicates that Caracas and La Guaira experienced the most severe impacts, with La Guaira’s coastal area intensifying the seismic activity. This city, listed on UNESCO's tentative list since 1999, suffered the loss of historic buildings such as Casa Guipuzcoana. Significant collapses were reported at San Pedro Apóstol Diocesan Seminary and San Sebastián de Maiquetía Church, along with damage to several other sites, including San Pedro Apóstol Cathedral. Anthropologist Abílio José De Oliveira Simao attributes the devastation to inadequate heritage protection policies. An exhibition in New York is raising funds for relief efforts.
Key facts
- Over 3,000 people died in two major earthquakes on 24 June.
- More than 58,000 buildings destroyed, including national monuments.
- Caracas and La Guaira were the most affected areas.
- La Guaira was added to UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 1999.
- Casa Guipuzcoana, a national monument, is a priority for inspection.
- San Pedro Apóstol Diocesan Seminary suffered major structural damage.
- Japanese experts warned Hugo Chávez over 20 years ago about vulnerability.
- A New York exhibition is fundraising for Venezuelan earthquake relief.
Entities
Artists
- José Miguel Pérez-Gómez
- Abílio José De Oliveira Simao
- Hugo Chávez
- Abílio José De Oliveira Simão
Institutions
- Simón Bolívar University
- The Art Newspaper
- UNESCO
- Vatican News
- Ibero-American Institute of Advanced Studies in Heritage, Tourism and Environment
- Universidad Simón Bolívar
- Instituto Iberoamericano de Estudios Avanzados sobre Patrimonio, Turismo y Medio Ambiente
- exibart Italia
- exibart.es
Locations
- Venezuela
- Caracas
- La Guaira
- Casa Guipuzcoana
- San Pedro Apóstol Diocesan Seminary
- San Sebastián de Maiquetía Church
- San Pedro Apóstol Cathedral
- Ermita del Carmen
- Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Church
- Tarmas
- Hotel Miramar
- Macuto
- Gran Hotel Palmar
- Caraballeda
- Quinta Azuleja
- La Cuchilla fort
- Coro
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- Church of San José de Ñauralí
- Church and Parish House of Pagüita
- New York
- La Vela
- Falcón
- Caribbean Sea
- Cordillera de la Costa
- Maiquetía
- San José de Ñauralí
- Pagüita