In the historic heart of San Fernando de Apure, between Comercio and Negro Primero streets, is the Casa de Bolívar, an architectural, historical and cultural monument that bears witness to the independence struggle.
This colonial building originally belonged to the family of the patriot colonel Miguel Guerrero. It gained historical significance when it became Simón Bolívar's refuge and headquarters between April and May 1818, during the Central Campaign.
During those decisive days, the Liberator stayed in this house to recover his health after suffering from high fevers and the physical exhaustion of the battles. From here, Bolívar reorganized his forces, maintained strategic correspondence with General José Antonio Páez, and coordinated key movements that paved the way for the Congress of Angostura and the subsequent liberation of New Granada.
National monument
The passage of time and the region's climate caused progressive deterioration that compromised the building's stability. Leaks in the thatched roof, dampness in the wooden beams, and cracks in the masonry and adobe walls made intervention necessary to prevent its loss as a heritage site. It was then that the municipal and regional governments jointly undertook a comprehensive and specialized restoration.
The project prioritized respect for the original architectural lines and the building's heritage value. The teams applied conservation techniques appropriate to the period: they replaced deteriorated wooden elements, waterproofed the gabled roof, restored friezes with traditional mixtures, renovated electrical installations with ornamental lighting, and restored period gates and windows.
With these renovations, Bolívar's house regains its splendor and strengthens the cultural identity of the people of Apure. By housing spaces dedicated to historical research, the Bolivarian Society, and the Llanero culture museum, the building is consolidated as a permanent meeting point where locals and visitors reconnect with the roots of patriotic heroism and the enduring legacy of El Libertador.
Bolivarian Epicenter
The mansion serves as the epicenter of the Bolivarian Society of Apure, created on July 24, 1930 under the presidency of Pedro Felipe Arreaza Calatrava, made official in 1938 under the mandate of Eleazar López Contreras and currently presided over by Argenis Méndez Echenique himself.
In its halls, the memory of the region's chroniclers is honored, such as the poet Julio César Sánchez Olivo, the first in the state until 1984, when the current Argenis Méndez Echenique took over, ad honorem as chronicler of the state and official of the municipality of San Fernando.
In terms of art and heritage, the site houses an iconographic collection with paintings about the life of Bolívar, the death of Atanasio Girardot, the assassination of Marshal Antonio José de Sucre in Berruecos and patriotic allegories by the artist Juan Parra Rumbos, complemented by unique statuettes made of chimó and marmolina.
Its collection treasures invaluable relics: a crystal cup with soil from the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a fragmented cannon from the emancipatory feat, two colonial bells of iron and bronze, the Chandler printing press where the Letras magazine was published, furniture from 1921, washbasins and period stirrups.
Opening hours
The Casa de Bolívar houses the Amadeo Garbi Library and the Regional Documentation Center. General public hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for consultations.
Bolivar's house, "as it is known today," is located on Independencia Street with Comercio Street, and not on Negro Primero Street with Comercio Street.
Of course, anyone can make a mistake. Regards.
A reorientation of the messages directed at young people, both at home and in educational institutions, is necessary. These messages should explain the harm caused by spending so many hours glued to TV and phone screens. Activities should be planned to help young people exercise their minds and reduce their dependence on social media.
When compiling historical data and culture, ensure the veracity of the information itself. Bolivar's house in San Fernando de Apure is located on the corner of Comercio Street and Independencia Street. Negro Primero Street precedes Independencia Street, which is the corner where Bolivar's house is located.
In San Fernando de Apure, there's also a very similar house in the old town that originally belonged to the Vetencourt Coraggio family. Vetencourt was a veterinarian married to a very elegant Argentinian lady, whom I greatly admired. I had the pleasure of sharing a famous Argentinian barbecue with them at their home, along with their three sons: José Antonio, Javier (Javi), and a third whose name I can't recall, but I know he took care of the family's cattle and livestock. I also remember with gratitude Mrs. Marcolina and her son, Morocho, who lived with them and were their domestic staff. I hope I can meet again with these gentlemen, my friends, as well as the Lizcano family, especially Julio and Marcos. Those are moments I cherish fondly remember!