Origins of the Venezuela neighborhood

1870-1910

In the period occupied by the years 1812 to 1901, in Río Piedras town some propitious activities were carried out to create a community in the junction of the Guadalcanal road. In 1831, the Piedras River Bridge was rebuilt, which was made of wood and made of masonry. The bridge, very close to the junction, was the communication passage to the villages in the center of the island. The Guadalcanal junction then becomes the obligatory place to stop when entering or leaving the town.

1910-1930

At the height of 1900, the junction of the Guadalcanal road has already begun to be populated with houses, ranches, shops and inns. The first houses result in reproductions in the manner of the houses around the town square: the shops below and the houses above.

1930-1940

The third period, 1930 to 1940, is the time of the massive invasion of the properties in the Loma del Viento of the Guadalcanal road. This was a very difficult period for the Puerto Rican economy that mainly affected agricultural workers. Looking for better employment opportunities, they initiated a pattern of emigration from the countryside to urban spaces, with the towns of San Juan, Río Piedras and their being the most affected. The invasions were so massive that houses of cardboard and disposable materials began to be made.

1940 - PRESENT

A Historic Community

"Guadalcanal", a place at the exit of the town and very close to the river, which enters towards the mountain. Now more of a historic community where the boilers of the aqueduct were placed that were going to take the water to the city. Due to the close relationship between the neighborhood-town of Río Piedras and the Guaracanal Camino, many of the events that occurred during the nineteenth century in Río Piedras, were determining factors in the formation of the community of Venezuela.

Town Public School

It is in that desire to improve the community that the public school Amalia Marin was built and the streets that were made of dirt were sloped. Based on that same desire, the Cooperative of plots of the Venezuela neighborhood was created so that each member of the community could buy their plot and improve their house.

Historic Bridge

before you enter the Venezuela Community you pass the "Old bridge" over the Rio Piedras river built in 1853

Former Bakery

Former bakery of the community, located on the current Guaracanal Street

Our Town - Rio Piedras

About Rio Piedras

Río Piedras is a former municipality of Puerto Rico founded in 1714 and with independent legal existence until 1951, the year in which it was incorporated into the municipality of San Juan.

332 344 inhabitants.

If you enjoy the bustle of a traditional market where locals barter for everything from bananas to bacalao, this is for you. As much a scene as a place to shop, the market continues the colonial-era tradition of an indoor market that spills into the streets. The plaza's a short walk from the Río Piedras metro station and often hosts live music at weekends.