Yellow House, Neoclassical government building in Caracas, Venezuela
The Yellow House is a neoclassical building with two stories arranged around a central courtyard. The structure is supported by Ionic columns and horizontal arches that frame long corridors.
The building was originally constructed in the 16th century as a private residence and underwent various uses over time. By 1689 it served as a royal prison under Governor Diego Jiménez de Enciso before eventually assuming its current administrative role.
The building earned its name from the striking yellow facade that has long served as a landmark in the cityscape. Visitors immediately notice this distinctive coloring, which sets the structure apart from other buildings surrounding the plaza.
The building sits at the western corner of Plaza Bolívar and is easy to find in the old city center. It has served as the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1912, so access may be limited.
An unusual moment occurred in 1900 when President Cipriano Castro panicked during an earthquake and jumped from a balcony to escape danger. This episode reflects the dramatic moments in the country's political history that unfolded at this location.
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