Catedral Metropolitana de Caracas, Caracas

The Catedral Metropolitana de Caracas is more modest than others on the continent but its well-preserved ornate detailing has great artistic value. The site was the location of an earlier church, built in 1567, when the city was founded. The construction of the present building was begun in 1665 after the previous church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1661. Simón Bolívar was baptized here in 1873, and the remains of his parents and wife lay here as well. This magnificent temple houses a great collection of valuable religious works of art.