Ciudad Bolívar

Inland port and capital of Bolívar state in southeast Venezuela, situated on the south bank of the Orinoco River, 400 km/250 mi from its mouth; population (2007 est) 300,300. The city is linked with Soledad across the river by the Angostura Suspension Bridge (1967), which has as a span of 712 m/2,336 ft and is the only bridge to span the Orinoco. Exports include gold, diamonds, timber, cattle, and horses. It is popular with tourists as a base for tours to the Angel Falls and the National Parks.

The city was founded in 1764, and was named Angostura after the narrows of the Orinoco on which it stands. It adopted the name ‘Gran Columbia’ in 1819 but was renamed in 1846 in honour of Simón Bolívar, who made the city his headquarters for a time during the war of independence against Spain.

Other tourist attractions include an 18th-century cathedral (1764–1840), San Isidrio House, the Fortress of the Vulture, and the Talavera Museum. The flavouring for angostura bitters was invented here in 1824.