4 Many historic buildings are arranged around the Plaza Bolivar , such as the Cathedral of Caracas , Miraflores Palace ( where the president lives ) , and the city council building .
32 There , centred around the Plaza Bolivar , are many historic buildings reflecting the colonial past , including the Catedral de Caracas , the Capitolio Nacional , the Concejo Municipal ( Municipal Council ) building , the birthplace of Simon Bolivar , and Palacio de Miraflores , which serves as the official residence of the president of the republic .

5 Nearby is the so-called National Pantheon , which holds the tombs of Simon Bolivar and other national heroes .
33 Only a short distance away is the Panteon Nacional , with the tomb of Simon Bolivar and those of other national heroes .

5 Nearby is the so-called National Pantheon , which holds the tombs of Simon Bolivar and other national heroes .
34 The twin towers of the Centro Simon Bolivar are also located nearby .

11 Many people work in banks , insurance companies , shopping centers , and government agencies .
66 The city serves as headquarters for most of Venezuela's commercial and industrial firms , its banks and insurance companies , and government agencies both foreign and domestic .

12 Important products made in Caracas are chemicals , clothing , foods , drinks , paper , and medicines .
61 It remains the leading manufacturing centre , with emphasis on textiles and clothing; processed foods and beverages; tobacco products; wood , paper , and printing; clay and stone products; rubber and leather goods; glass , chemicals , and pharmaceuticals; and metalware and plastics .

13 Spanish explorers established a town in the valley in 1561 , but it was soon destroyed by the Caracas people , a group of Native American Indians .
133 A ranch was established in the valley in 1557 by Francisco Fajardo , the son of a Spanish captain and an Indian chief's daughter , and in 1561 Juan Rodriguez Suarez founded a town on the site of the ranch; but the town was soon destroyed by Indian attacks .

14 In 1567 Diego de Losada began the present city , calling it Santiago de Leon de Caracas .
134 The conquest and resettlement of the region began in 1566 , and Diego de Losada is credited with the actual founding of the city in 1567 .

15 In 1577 Caracas became a provincial capital .
143 In 1577 Caracas acquired its status as a provincial capital .

16 It was attacked by English buccaneers ( pirates ) in 1595 , and it was almost totally destroyed by earthquakes in 1755 and 1812 .
144 The city was sacked by English buccaneers in 1595 , and its buildings were almost totally destroyed by two earthquakes in 1755 and 1812 .

17 It became the capital of the country when Venezuela gained its independence from Spain in 1829 .
151 From his tutors , he gained the zeal to achieve independence for Spanish America .