Things to Do in Cúcuta

By Lorraine Caputo

Cúcuta does have some historic buildings of note. The Biblioteca Pública Julio Pérez Ferrero was built in 1786 and served as the city's first hospital; in 2000 it took on its present duty as the public library, providing many children's and cultural activities. (Avenida 1, Calle 12). A block away on the other side of Parque is the Torre del Reloj, with the distinction of being the only clock in Colombia that tolls the national anthem each hour. It is now home to the Department's Cultural Secretariat, and has exhibits and cultural events. Quinta Teresa, designed at the end of the 19th century by Domingo Díaz, had served as educational institutions; it is presently under restoration.

Of religious monuments, the city's Cathedral on Parque Santander; it is one of almost a dozen Catholic temples you can visit. The Monumento Cristo Rey, executed by Marco León Mariño, affords good views. It is 35 meters (174 feet) high with 82 steps to the top (Avenida 4 and Calle 19).

Along the Río Pamplona is the malecón with the city's most luxurious hotels and several shopping malls. On the road towards the border is Villa del Rosario, where the Congreso Constituyente met in 1821 to form Gran Colombia (Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador). Sites of interest here include the Templo Histórico, meeting place of the Congress, and the Casa-Museo General Santander, home of one the Independence leaders and the first Vice President of Gran Colombia.