San Cristóbal, Táchira
San Cristóbal | |
|---|---|
From top to left: Panoramic view, circus near the Sambil shopping center, San Cristobal Cathedral, Seventh Avenue and Táchira Catholic University. | |
| Nickname: "La Ciudad de la Cordialidad" | |
| Motto: "Por un Táchira Bonito" | |
| Coordinates: 7°46′N 72°14′W / 7.767°N 72.233°W | |
| Country | Venezuela |
| State | Táchira |
| Municipality | San Cristóbal Municipality |
| Founded | 31 March 1561 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Silfredo Zambrano (2021-present) |
| Area | |
• Total | 247 km2 (95 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 860 m (2,820 ft) |
| Population (2015) | |
• Total | 282,830 |
| • Density | 1,100/km2 (3,000/sq mi) |
| • Demonym | Sancristobalense |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (VET) |
| Climate | Aw |
| Website | http://sancristobal-tachira.gob.ve |
| Location of San Cristóbal in Venezuela | |
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San Cristóbal (Spanish pronunciation: [saŋ kɾisˈtoβal]) is the capital city of the Venezuelan state of Táchira. It is located in a mountainous region of Western Venezuela. The city is situated 818 metres (2,684 ft) above sea level in the northern Andes overlooking the Torbes River, 56 kilometres (35 mi) from the Colombian border. San Cristóbal was founded on 31 March 1561, by Juan de Maldonado. From its inception, the city evolved rapidly as one of the most progressive and important centers of commerce in the country and the region, due primarily to its rich soil and its proximity to the border with Colombia.
The city was severely damaged by the Earthquake of Cúcuta (also known as Earthquake of the Andes) in 1875. The city is located on the Pan-American Highway.