Venezuela's Casa de las Carretas: A 19th-century bastion facing decay

In Los Teques, Venezuela, the Casa de las Carretas stands as a remarkable relic of the 19th century, offering a tangible link to a bygone era. Stepping through its imposing wooden doors transports visitors from the modern bustle to a quieter, historical ambiance. The house is currently home to Alejandro Caputto and his wife, artist Carlota Baptista. Caputto is a direct descendant of Pedro Trujillo and Felipa Hernández, who established a mule-based transport business from this very location. Between the 19th century and 1930, this hub dispatched goods, agricultural products, and provisions to Caracas and beyond, a significant feat in Venezuela's challenging terrain.

The interior of the mansion is a living museum, filled with original period furniture, antique bottle collections, historical weapons, old commercial invoices, and indigenous archaeological finds. Caputto, an archaeologist himself, has meticulously collected and documented these treasures. He shares his extensive knowledge through captivating stories and anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of the Mirandina capital's past. The house's authenticity is striking; it remains 100% original, including its stone entryway floor worn by the passage of heavily laden carts and intricate period mosaic tiles.

However, the Casa de las Carretas is in a precarious state. Years of neglect and insufficient funding have taken their toll. Walls require immediate attention, and overgrown trees in the courtyard pose a threat to the structure. The most critical issue is the deteriorating roof, constructed over 114 years ago with native palm, mud, and tiles. This original roofing system suffers severe structural damage that has gone unaddressed due to a persistent lack of governmental support, extending back decades. Despite these challenges, the spirit of preservation endures.