Coro is one of the first Spanish christian settlements in South America. It was founded in 1527 and has some 602 historic buildings a rich fusion of local traditions mixed with Spanish colonial architectural design many which have maintained their original layout and urban landscape to a remarkable degree. Located in west Venezuela, between the mountain range of Sierra de San Luis and the Parque Nacional de los Médanos de Coro (Coro Dunes National Park), the two urban areas cover 18.40 ha; 7.85 ha in Coro, and 10.55 ha in the Port of La Vela. . Established from 1527 the town’s domestic, monumental religious and civil buildings all employed earthen building techniques that are still in use today. Coro was the first Capital of the Captaincy General of Venezuela and the first Bishopric of Continental America established in 1531. Its Port of La Vela os also another first port cities of South America.
Criterion (iv)
The romantic buildings of Coro and its Port are constructed with earthen architecture. Domestic buildings demonstrate very desirable and traditional mud building techniques including bahareque (a system using mud, timber and bamboo), adobe and tapia (rammed earth). These are building techniques that are still in use today that have been modified and adapted to social, climatic and environmental conditions as well as to local materials and modern requirements.
Criterion (v)
Coro is an outstanding example of a Spanish Christian town & settlement which has conserved its original layout and early urban landscape to a remarkable degree. The urban value of Coro is represented by a building style derived from a process where the architectural style and character of settlers & locals converged into a unique building tradition.
Integrity
The original layout and early urban landscape of Coro and its Port continue to be maintained and much of its earthen architecture remains intact despite the difficult challenges the property has faced. The Cathedral, the Plaza Bolivar, San Nicolas and San Gabriel churches and the Jewish add value to Coro.
Authenticity
Coro has experienced many vicissitudes since its foundation. Much of what has survived dates from the 17th century. The integrity of the settlement is still important. Only till fairly recently has Coro been made a UNESCO world Heritage site. Its buildings remain in use by a large number of active craftsmen adding great charm to the environment. The qualities of the site reflect a spirit of craftsmanship and local customs.
Protection and Management Requirements
The World Heritage site of Coro and its Port of La Vela is protected under the Law on Protection and Defense of the Cultural Heritage (1993) and by the declarations as a National Monument in 1960, 1977, 1984, 1992, 1993, 1996 and 2005.
Since the creation of a Commission for the Protection of Coro and La Vela in December 2003, actions have been defined and executed for a better management of the site. The Commission has completed and formalized the submission of the Integral Plan for the Conservation and Development of Coro y La Vela (Plincode) where the needs and guidelines of action to be implemented in the short, medium and long term were clearly defined.
Members of the UNESCO/ICOMOS Joint Monitoring Mission of 2008 recognized the technical, administrative and economic efforts made by the Venezuelan State with regard to the critical conservation situation that has led to the inclusion of the site in the List of World Heritage sites in need of more help. They also recognized the level of responsibility of the Venezuelan State in considering the recommendations made by the World Heritage Committee.
It was decided to include community councils into all decision-making bodies of the World Heritage area of Coro and the Port of La Vela. As a result, all community councils of Coro and La Vela are committed to the Protection, Conservation and Rehabilitation of areas declared World Heritage of Coro and its Port of La Vela and its Protected Areas”. The new management method accommodates the active participation of community councils which generates positive expectations and strategic planning aimed at preserving Outstanding Universal Values of Coro and its Port of La Vela.
The management plan aims to establish and implement actions within the framework of sustainable conservation of the city of Coro and its Port of La Vela.
The commission will work with heritage creators, artisans who have experience in construction, and with national and local institutions. Plans also consider economic, social and environmental issues.
Maps & Gallery
Activities (3)
Links
ACWHL Angelcraft Crown World Heritage Library & UNESCO Le bureau de JV Agnvs Dei Verbvm Dei Filvs Dei Jose Maria Chavira MS Adagio 1st Primogentivs Fivs Dei Hominis Espiritvs Dominus Dominorum est et Rex Regum et Reginarum nom de plume JCAngelcraft La Courronne Monde Chateau Versailles France at the Library of Congress John Adams Building, Suite 230, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E. Washington, DC 20540-1000
ACWHL: Angelcraft Crown World Heritage Library in association with UNESCO 