Plizio Visual Lab

Carmelitas Post Office

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Carmelitas Post Office is a distinctive historic building in Caracas, widely known as the headquarters of the Venezuelan postal service. Its history dates back to 1781 when it was originally built as a mansion for the Count of Tovar. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including being the seat of the Presidency and the Ministry of War. The current neoclassical architecture with Gothic influences is the result of a major renovation carried out in the 1930s. The building is named after the former Carmelite convent that used to be located nearby. Its prominent corner location on Avenida Urdaneta makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city center. Inside, artistic details and teller halls evoke the heyday of postal communication. It stands as a protected monument testifying to the institutional continuity and architectural evolution of Caracas across three centuries.

Location: Venezuela
Top sights: Casa Amarilla Antonio José de Sucre · Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Altagracia · Grupo Ahorra Más

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	23	23	24	25	25	24	25	25	25	24	23
Rain mm	42	30	14	41	71	87	101	120	89	96	77	74

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Carmelitas Post Office in Caracas is a neoclassical building that operates as a working post office. You can enter the lobby and admire the historic architecture from inside.

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Typical hours

As a post office, it is typically open on weekdays from morning until early afternoon, Saturdays often only until noon. Sundays are usually closed; exact times follow standard post office hours.

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Photography

Photography is usually allowed in the entrance area and lobby. Please respect the privacy of staff and other customers and avoid taking close-up shots of the counters.

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Time needed

A brief visit to admire the architecture takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you also need to use postal services, allow a little extra time.

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Combine with

The building is located in downtown Caracas, near Plaza Bolívar and the cathedral. Combine the visit with a walk to other historic landmarks in the center.

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Getting there

The Carmelitas Post Office is easily reached by metro (Capitolio station) or on foot from Plaza Bolívar. Taxis and buses stop nearby.

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Insider tip

Visit the post office on a weekday late morning when it is less busy. Take a look at the ornate facade before entering - it is a highlight of neoclassical architecture.