Beautiful Sunday and Sublime Sunday / “Fortin de la Galera”

Today I want to share with you one of the most beautiful, historical and tourist places of Juan Griego on the Island of Margarita / Venezuela. I speak of the "Fortín de la Galera" also known as the Fort of freedom, what It was built in 1811 with the purpose of protecting the port of Juan Griego.

The history of this place tells that after the troops of General Pablo Morillo were defeated by the margariteños in the battle of Matasiete on July 31, 1817, Morillo tried to seize the island again by entering the bay of Juan Griego on the 8th of August of that same year. That battle was considered one of the bloodiest of all times, because at the time of battle, a powder deposit caught fire and flew to the fort with most of its occupants. Those who managed to save themselves from that explosion, jumped into the lagoon that is near there, however, they were reached and massacred by General Morillo himself. It is said that the lagoon was dyed red with spilled blood and from that moment it is known as the "Laguna de los Mártires".

During the year 1954 its ruins were raised so that today people can visit this wonderful place. You can reach the fort by car or by walking along a steep road. In its upper part you can see a splendid view, ideal for lovers of photography and one more for those who enjoy watching sunsets. In addition, there are also 4 of the cannons used in the battle.

The most pleasant part of your visit is the time when the children who live in that area come to tell the story of the battle in a very peculiar way. For its beauty, it is one of the tourist sites par excellence when coming to this island.

Pillar that is in the center of the “Fortin” where it says that it is declared a municipal historical site after 180 years of being liberated.

View from the "Fortin de la Galera" towards the Bay of Juan Griego.

Path and some bushes inside the "Fortin".

One of the 4 cannons that are preserved on this site.

Another photo of the cannon.

The weather was not the best, so it was a shame not to see the sunset.