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House of the Capitulation

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Landmark
—°19
House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)

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The House of the Capitulation, also known as Casa de Morales, is a historic building in Maracaibo that holds central importance for Venezuelan independence. It was in this colonial house that the Capitulation Treaty was signed on August 3, 1823, officially ending Spanish rule in Venezuela following the Battle of Lake Maracaibo. The 18th-century structure is an excellent example of Spanish colonial architecture, featuring thick walls, interior courtyards, and wooden balconies. Originally, it served as a residence for Spanish governors and military commanders. Today, the building houses a museum and the seat of the Academy of History of Zulia, preserving documents and artifacts from the independence era. Located at the northeast corner of Plaza Bolívar, it is a National Monument commemorating the victory of the patriots. The preservation of the building allows visitors to gain insight into the life and political upheavals of the early 19th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282930303030313130292828
Rain mm1611295482515262951308439

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The House of the Capitulation in Maracaibo is a historic building open as a museum. Visitors can explore the rooms where the Spanish capitulation was signed.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, often from 9:00 to 17:00. It is usually closed on Mondays; checking ahead is recommended.
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Photography
Photography inside is allowed without flash. The historic furniture and documents are popular subjects.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the tour. If interested in the history of the Battle of Lake Maracaibo, take more time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a boat trip on Lake Maracaibo or a visit to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá. The city center has more colonial buildings.
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Getting there
The house is in the historic center of Maracaibo, near the cathedral. It is easily reached on foot or by taxi.
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Insider tip
Ask about guided tours at the museum, which often provide detailed explanations of the capitulation. Also visit the nearby lakefront for a nice view.

Geography

Coordinates
10.64250, -71.60670

Facts

  • Capitulation signed on August 3, 1823
  • Built during the 18th century
  • Last seat of Spanish power in Zulia
  • Declared National Historic Monument in 1965
  • Home to the Academy of History of Zulia
  • Classic example of Spanish colonial architecture

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Baralt TheaterBaralt Theater<1 km · SExplore →
MaracaiboMaracaibo3 km · SExplore →
General Rafael Urdaneta BridgeGeneral Rafael Urdaneta Bridge6 km · NExplore →
Bajo Grande RefineryBajo Grande Refinery7 km · SWExplore →
El Tablazo Petrochemical ComplexEl Tablazo Petrochemical Complex9 km · NEExplore →
San Carlos de la Barra FortressSan Carlos de la Barra Fortress12 km · EExplore →
Mina Norte Coal MineMina Norte Coal Mine29 km · SEExplore →
Lake MaracaiboLake Maracaibo30 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town House of the Capitulation (19)

Monumento Plaza Cantaclaro 2🏺 historical

A decorative monument in Plaza Cantaclaro dedicated to local folklore and culture.

Monumento Plaza Cantaclaro🏺 historical

A statue in Cantaclaro Square commemorating a famous figure from Venezuelan literature.

Monolito🏺 historical

A simple stone monolith in Maracaibo that serves as a distinctive landmark in the urban landscape.

Aula Magna de la URU🎭 culture

The prestigious auditorium of the Rafael Urdaneta University, known for its impressive acoustics and modern design.

Museo Arquidiocesano Obispo Lasso🏛 museum

A museum in the historic center exhibiting a valuable collection of religious art and objects from the colonial era.

Pa Que Luis📍 landmark

A legendary meeting spot in Maracaibo considered the heart of Gaita music and famous for its traditional atmosphere.

Teatro Bellas Artes🏛 museum

A prominent cultural center with a theatre and galleries, housed in a striking modernist building.

Aquaventura Park🎡 recreation

A large water park with numerous slides and pools, serving as a popular destination for family outings.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Parque Mickey Mouse🎡 recreation

A small theme park for children, featuring playground equipment and colorful figures for family fun.

Parque La Marina🌳 park

A park on the shores of Lake Maracaibo known for its high lookout tower offering panoramic views.

Aquatica🎡 recreation

A modern aquatic recreational park near the lake offering various attractions for all age groups.

🕒 We-Su 10:00-18:00

Catedral San Pedro y San Pablo de Maracaibo⛪ religious

This 17th-century cathedral houses the revered 'Black Christ' image, a major religious symbol of the city.

Teatro Baralt🎭 culture

A historic 1883 theatre that served as the venue for the first film screenings in Venezuela.

Museo de la Gaita🏛 museum

This museum is dedicated to traditional gaita music, the cultural hallmark of the Zulia region.

Edificio Las Laras🎭 culture

A distinctive building with historic architecture that once served as the headquarters of an oil company.

Iglesia El Rosario📍 landmark

A Christian church in the heart of the city, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Iglesia Santa Ana📍 landmark

This historic church is located near the lakeshore in the old city district.

Iglesia San Ramon Nonato⛪ religious

A local parish church dedicated to Saint Raymond Nonnatus.

Capilla Luisa La Santa⛪ religious

A small, simple chapel that is an important religious retreat for local residents.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Casa de la Capitulación?
A historic building of great national importance.
Can I visit the house?
Yes, it is open to visitors as a museum.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes is sufficient.
Is there an entrance fee?
Admission is often free or very low cost.
Is it family friendly?
Yes, it is a great place for history enthusiasts.
House of the Capitulation: where is it located?
House of the Capitulation is located in Venezuela.
House of the Capitulation: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monumento Plaza Cantaclaro 2, Monumento Plaza Cantaclaro, Monolito.
House of the Capitulation: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
House of the Capitulation: why is it worth visiting?
The House of the Capitulation, also known as Casa de Morales, is a historic building in Maracaibo that holds central importance for Venezuelan independence.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Maracaibo — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Maracaibo
The country's second largest city is famous for the oil industry and Lake Maracaibo.
Punta Gallinas — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Punta Gallinas
The absolute northernmost point of South America, featuring spectacular sand dunes plunging into the ocean.

History & landmarks

Baralt Theater — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Baralt Theater
A historic theater in Maracaibo, considered the cradle of Venezuelan cinema.
General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge
An iconic cable-stayed bridge crossing Lake Maracaibo and one of the longest structures of its kind worldwide.

Nature

Lake Maracaibo — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Lake Maracaibo
Lake Maracaibo is a large brackish bay in northwestern Venezuela.

More places

Port of Maracaibo — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Port of Maracaibo
An important port on Lake Maracaibo, primarily used for the export of petroleum products and agricultural goods.
🗺️
Bajo Grande Refinery
A specialized refinery on the shores of Lake Maracaibo, producing asphalt and other heavy oil products.
🗺️
El Tablazo Petrochemical Complex
A large industrial site on the eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo, producing plastics, olefins, and industrial chemicals.
San Carlos de la Barra Fortress — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
San Carlos de la Barra Fortress
A historic 17th-century star fortress that protected the Gulf of Venezuela from pirates.
Mina Norte Coal Mine — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Mina Norte Coal Mine
Another significant coal mine in Zulia state, contributing to Venezuela's position as a coal exporter.
Paso Diablo Coal Mine — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Paso Diablo Coal Mine
Venezuela's largest open-pit coal mine in the Guasare basin of Zulia state, producing high-quality thermal coal.
La Guajira Desert — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
La Guajira Desert
The La Guajira Desert is a vast arid region in the extreme north of South America, where sand dunes meet the Caribbean Sea.
Puerto Bolívar (Coal Port) — House of the Capitulation (Venezuela)
Puerto Bolívar (Coal Port)
Latin America's largest coal export port, operated exclusively for the transport of coal from El Cerrejón.