Venezuela

Nueva Cádiz

Early colonial port town, 16th‑century Venezuela

Location

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Historical Context

About

Nueva Cádiz is an archaeological site and former port town on Cubagua, off the coast of Venezuela. First established in 1500 as a seasonal settlement, by 1515 it had become a year-round permanent town. it was one of the first European settlements in the Americas. The settlement was given the name Nueva Cádiz when it was incorporated as a city in 1528.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Incorporation as a city

12 September 1528

Seasonal settlement established

1500

Rancherias occupied during trading seasons

1502

Permanent year‑round town

1515

Population growth after uprising

1520

Population census snapshot

1530

Population peak

c. 1535

Rapid decline in inhabitants

1539

Hurricane destruction and abandonment

1541

Archaeological investigation by José María Cruxent

1950s–1960s

National Monument designation

1979

Documentary on the ruins released

2015

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

TownsCities
category

Transportation and Communication Structures

Quays
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

Venezuela

Coordinates

10.82° N, -64.17° E