The city is located in the northwest part of the Barinas state, along the river Santo Domingo in the Andean foothills about 165 km from the city of Mérida and 525 km from Caracas.
The name of the city comes from an indigenous word which identifies a strong wind that occurs during the rainy season, from the valleys of Santo Domingo.
The original city was founded under the name Altamira de Caceres on June 30, 1577 by Captain Juan Andres Varela fulfilling orders of the governor of La Grita Francisco de Cáceres, who had founded this Andean city and established it governorate in 1576.
In 1786 Barinas state was established in the territories of the existing states of Barinas and Apure. The city became the capital of the state and an important bastion of the patriots during the War of Independence. Cristóbal Mendoza, the first President of Venezuela, lived and practiced his profession in Barinas.
The Coat of Arms of Barinas City
Heraldical Description
On February 19, 1790, a coat of arms and the title of "Very Noble and Very Loyal" was given by King Charles IV of Spain to the settlers of the city of Barinas.
"... by had given at all times greater proofs of loyal and love to sovereigns, mainly in year 1781."
The Coat of Arms of The Bainas City consists of an field compound to the Chief and divided per fess.
The Quarter of the Chief enameled in Gules (Red Enamel) presents a Gules, a lion rampant Or (Golden Enamel). The lion traditionally symbolizes bravery, nobility, royalty, strength, stability and courage, because it has historically been regarded as the king of beasts.
The Quarter of the Base barry wavy of seven Argent (Silver Enamel) and Azure (Blue Enamel). As symbol of waters of Santo Domingo River.
As external ornaments: The blazon presents a mural crown. Since the Middle Ages the mural crown was a heraldic symbol to indicate membership of a shield by a city or town. In the shield of the city, it is a symbol of civil liberties and municipal statutes of the city of Barinas.
Motto: A pennant in Argent (Silver enamel) that loads the motto: "Muy Noble y Muy Leal" (Very Noble and Very Loyal)
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