La Grita
 |
La Grita | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Flag | |
| Nickname: Atenas Del Táchira | |
.svg)  La Grita | |
| Coordinates: 8°08′N 71°59′W / 8.133°N 71.983°W | |
| Country |  Venezuela |
| State | Táchira |
| Municipality | Jáuregui Municipality |
| Founded | 2 November 1576 |
| Elevation | 1,440 m (4,720 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 90,000 |
| • Demonym | Gritense |
| Time zone | VST |
| Postal code | 5001 |
| Area code | 0277 |
| Climate | Aw |
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 is known for its beautiful natural setting and its fertile land. Its colonial style houses and open plazas decorate the town's facade. La Grita's diverse ecosystem offers the visitor different activities like hiking, camping, mountain climbing, and 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.
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.
External links
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