Samán de Güere, Historical tree monument in Turmero, Venezuela
The Samán de Güere was a massive saman tree that once had a trunk circumference of about 180 meters before it died in 2000. The petrified remains are preserved and displayed at their original location on Turmero's Intercomunal Avenue.
The tree was already centuries old when explorer Alexander von Humboldt documented it during his travels in the Americas between 1799 and 1804. In 1933, President Juan Vicente Gómez declared it a National Historical Monument, making it the first living being to receive this honor in Venezuela.
The name comes from Güere, a Carib leader who according to local stories once sheltered beneath its branches. Today, the displayed weapons and cannons serve as reminders of the independence battles that shaped this region.
The site is located along the Intercomunal Avenue and is easily accessible for visitors who want to spend time exploring the area. Morning or late afternoon visits work well, as the sun is gentler on the displayed remains during these times.
The wood of the tree was so dense and resistant that after its natural death, the remains gradually petrified and became nearly indestructible. You can still observe this process today by examining the hardened surface, which shows how time has preserved the massive trunk.
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