Petare is a city located in northwestern Miranda, Venezuela estado, or state. It is a residential suburb of the capital and part of metropolitan Caracas but it has its own commercial centre. Petare has two universities: Universidad Santa Maria and Universidad Metropolitana. The history in the area is quite rich because although the city has become residential in some ways, it was founded in 1621 and the people have tried to preserve the colonial core and an 18th century church that has colonial paintings on display. Watch out for the “Buhoneros” who shill their wares on the streets; they are selling illegal goods. Check out the Museo de Arte Popular de Petare, a museum that features “candid” art, ceramics, paintings, wood carvings and more.