Palace of Academies
Avenida Universidad, Esquinas de La Bolsa a San Francisco, Caracas, Venezuela
Description:
The Palace of Academies is a unique building built in 1577 in the Gothic style in Caracas, Venezuela. Initially, it was used as a monastery, it housed Franciscan monks. In the middle of the eighteenth century, it was decided to complete another part to the back of the building, which was completed in 1794, but in 1812 the whole complex was destroyed by a strong earthquake, after which it was completely restored.
In 1821 it was decided to move the monastery to San Francisco. Since then, the building has been used for various purposes. In 1838, its part served as the headquarters, between 1840 and 1845 it was the House of Deputies of the National Congress, and from 1852 to 1953 the building served as the Central University of Venezuela.
In 1876, President Antonio Guzmán Blanco decided to entrust the construction of a new facade and second floor to the famous architect Juan Hurtado Manrique. Soon the building will be declared a national historical monument. Today, the Palace of Academies is located in the east of Caracas. It has been restored by the local council according to its original plan and acts as a library.