LB-1
The construction of this military post, built north of Caracas, was ordered by the governor of the Province of Venezuela, don Luis de Unzagay Amenzaga, in 1787. This artillery barracks would be the endpoint of a system of fortifications along the route between La Guaira port and Caracas, as part of the territory’s defensive strategy designed by military engineer and Royal Forces Brigadier, the Belgian Agustín Cramer. Its first stage was concluded in 1790, and the construction ended in 1792, with areas for military training, weapon safeguarding, dormitories, dungeons and common areas. The building, originally a 75 by 75 meter square, was unique in the area at that time, because a Royal Decree prohibited constructions around the barracks. The rectangular building, built with mud walls, has an arms square surrounded by corridors with arches, with two stories, and guardposts on each corner. The structure was also used as a military and political prison until 1994, especially during the sixties. The famous escapes that took place in that decade and the following put its security into question. Named in honor of Carlos III, and also known as the Veterans Barracks, it is a remarkable example of military engineering and a National Historic Monument.
GCM
LB-2