A Look at the Maracay Bullring

Hello, Architecture and Design lovers! I'm here once again, this time to tell you about an important architectural structure that attracts the attention of locals and visitors to the city of Maracay in the state of Aragua, Venezuela. This is La Maestranza César Girón, better known as the Plaza de Toros de Maracay (Maracay Bullring).

I begin by telling you that this building was designed by the Venezuelan architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva, as an almost exact replica of the bullring of Seville, Spain, also known as the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla.

The building has a style that combines Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Muslim design, characteristic of southern Spain, where horseshoe arches and plaster construction have great relevance. During my visit I noticed that the façade of the square has arches typical of Mudejar art, with its traditional circular shape, while the interiors have ornamental tiles that stand out at sight.

In the vicinity of the enclosure you can find benches and trees that offer shade and a feeling of freshness to those who are passing through the surrounding streets and want a moment of rest. If there is something that attracts the attention of city dwellers is the sculpture called La Girondina located in the outskirts, which consists of a statue of the famous local bullfighter Cesar Giron made in bronze, in which he can be seen imposing, facing a bull with great skill.

Although on this occasion I did not have the opportunity to enter the maestranza, I remember that on a previous visit on the occasion of a musical concert, I was able to appreciate the area of bleachers and in the center the bullring, which is where bullfights used to take place, an activity that is currently prohibited in my country. Its circular shape allows spectators a good view of the spectacle presented there, regardless of where they are seated.

On this issue there are divided opinions nationally and internationally, there are those who defend this this type of rodeo with Hispanic origin, considering it a bullfighting festival that should be preserved as a traditional and cultural spectacle, on the other hand there are those who are totally against these celebrations for considering them an ode to animal abuse. Today this emblematic building is used for musical recitals, recreational activities and cultural events for the enjoyment and healthy entertainment of locals and visitors.

The bullring brings back many memories of my childhood when I used to walk around it and was delighted with its extraordinary round structure, which at that time was in full splendor, with better physical conditions than today. Later, as an adult, I had the opportunity to work right in front of the maestranza and every day I had the opportunity to walk around it. I hope the authorities and competent entities can make an effort to remodel and maintain this structure in optimal conditions.

If you are in the city of Maracay or plan to visit it soon, you cannot miss this architectural jewel erected on 19 de Abril Avenue in the heart of the city. I thank you for joining me here and I hope to see you in a future opportunity to show you more iconic structures of my country.