Spanning the Narrows in Venezuela

By Linda Tancs

Punctuated by the Angostura Bridge connecting it with the rest of Venezuela, Ciudad Bolívar is a historical city featuring houses, buildings and a cathedral dating to the colonial period.  Formerly named Angostura because of its location on the narrowest part of the Orinoco River, it enjoys the distinction of being the site where the first Venezuelan newspaper, El Correo del Orinoco, was printed.  That newspaper building, housing the original printing press, is now Bolivar Museum.  The night views of the cathedral and Paseo Orinoco are spectacular.  For another spectacular view, be sure to visit nearby Angel Falls.  Named for an aviator who flew over the falls, its immense height (15 times higher than Niagara Falls) is enough justification for the heavenly moniker.