Colonia Tovar

Lost in the forests of the Cordillera de la Costa, some 60 km west of Caracas, we can find a peculiar mountain town “Colonia Tovar”.

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Colonia Tovar Venezuela South America

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Typical houses of Colonia Tovar Venezuela South America

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Shops in Colonia Tovar Venezuela South America

Founded in 1843 by a group of German immigrants, the city was able to effectively protect themselves from all outside contact for almost a century.

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Market of Colonia Tovar Venezuela South America

The lack of roads had made the access restricted, and the rigid social mores had ensured that the residents had links with their own unique culture (eg, It was allowed only marriage between members of the colony.)

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Market of Colonia Tovar Venezuela South America

 

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Church of Colonia Tovar Venezuela South America

The Spanish language did not reach the area until the 1940s and until 1963 a road was not built. Nowadays it is a city with agricultural product markets and craft shops, but with distinctly German character. It has also been preserved much of the original architecture, and food such as bread and sausage, is still being developed according to ancient recipes from Germany.

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Houses of Colonia Tovar Venezuela South America