Santa Maria Region
Flag of Santa Maria region
Location of the region(in yellow) within Martazuela.
ABOUT
Located in southern Martazuela, Santa Maria is one of the largest yet least populated regions. The area is characterized by small mountains and hills in the west and vast, flat plains throughout the rest of the region. The region however has sadly become one of the most corrupt and dangerous in the nation. In recent years the infamous guerrilla group, Ejército Revolucionario de Martazuela (Revolutionary Army of Martazuela) has increased its presence and many small towns and villages especially alongside the border with Montañas are now controlled by the violent guerrillas. In addition to the presence of this rogue army the drug trade has also become more prominent in the region. Originally, the few drug cartels in the country operated from Montañas but can now be seen in Santa Maria's rural areas. In order to counter this growth in corruption,violence and illegal activities the federal government has stepped in and is slowly making progress to retake the region and make it into a peaceful and productive region. Although much of the region is rural the majority of the population lives in the capital of Paraquéz. The city of 230 000 is one of the newest in the country but is also becoming a center of crime. The city does however host a number of attractions and historical sites such as the fortified Santa Maria Monastery, the quiet park of Parque del Sueños and also the Gold Museum which showcases the presence of native people in the region. In spite of the violence and corruption, Santa Maria boasts some of the nation's most fertile land.
San Pedro
Located in a remote area along the border with the Montañas region the town of San Pedro is the headquarters for both the ERM and also a number of drug cartels. About 5 years ago the town was invaded by the guerillas and the townspeople were either forced to leave or to stay and work for the guerillas or the drug cartels. Due to the partnership between both the guerrillas and the cartels the town has become a prison for those inside, completely shut out from the outside world. Although there have been numerous attempts to retake the town from the cartel and the guerrillas the Martazuelan government has not yet achieved its goal.
The town of San Pedro. The majority of the buildings are slowly deteriorating and the majority of the inhabitants live in poor conditions. Within many of these buildings are some of the country's most wanted criminals.
The headquarters of ERM(Ejército Revolucionario de Martazuela) is a large villa located about 2 kms from the town. The villa was originally part of a large coffee plantation but today it is a deteriorating estate surrounded by high security and inhabited by some of the most ruthless and corrupt people in the country.
Paraquéz
Considered to be the heart of the region the city of Paraquéz is also the centre of all the regional activities. Paraquéz was founded during the gold rush and served as a trading post between the mountains and mines and the rest of the country. For many years the city prospered and the population was steeply increasing however when the Spaniards deported the foreign miners the city's population began to decrease greatly as people flocked to other cities in search of work. Not long after many buildings were left abandoned and Paraquéz soon earned the nickname of the "Detroit of South America". Sadly as prosperity moved out crime moved in and a large number of unemployed workers turned to the drug industry or other illegal industries for jobs. This allowed the cartels and gangs to grow and have more influence on the city and until the late 1990's Paraquéz was known for being the most dangerous city in Martazuela. Murders were common, drug trafficking could be seen everywhere and members of the revolutionary army could be seen walking down the streets with AK-47's in hand. Fortunately, the government finally managed to gradually retake the city and finally in 2003 the city was removed from illegal power.Today, the city is quickly being rebuilt and Paraquéz has turned itself into Martazuela's 3rd most populous city and is now home to international companies, world class entertainment, an efficient and modern public transit network, and historic architecture. Although many still associate the city with drug cartel's and crime the truth is that this bad reputation is quickly disappearing in favor of a safe, world class city.
Paraquéz's Central Business District.
Torre de Libertad is a one of the tallest tower's in South America and was built to improve Paraquéz's image and be a symbol of peace in the city.
Paraquéz's Old Town was once the most dangerous part of the city and heavily run down. However,in recent years the new city government has put millions into restoring the district and attracting tourism to the area.
During the city's crime years this cathedral known as the Catedral San Fernando fell into disrepair and served as a place for the numerous gangs and cartels to hide weapons and black market goods. Thankfully after 4 years of reconstruction and renovation the church was restored to its former beauty.
Estacion Central de Paraquéz
The wealthy district of Villanueva once housed gang bosses and wealthy cartel leaders but today it is home to mainly rich businesspeople and celebrities.
The massive Edificio Poltagar was built during the communist regime and was the largest building in the country. It was owned by the state corporation, Poltagar which dealt with oil,transport and mining industries. When it was opened the building housed offices,a hotel,apartments and even a shopping centre on the lower levels. Following the collapse of the regime and the privatisation of Poltagar the building like most in the city became abandoned. Soon later the numerous gangs and cartels moved in and made the place their own. When the national government stepped in and began cracking down on gangs and druglords the building was cleared out and stated for demolition. However due to the massive growth of the city and strong demand the building was instead repaired and new offices were set up as well as a new hotel.
The Saint Nikolas Orthodox Church is one of the very few orthodox churches in the country.
Museo del Oro(Gold Museum)
Estadio Martacom is the city's main soccer stadium and is home to the newly created football league, FC Paraquéz.
Located on the outskirts of Paraquéz the Vidal Tobacco Plantation produces some of the countries finest cigars but also produces wine and owns a fruit plantation nearby.
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