Monumento a Bernardo O'Higgins in Rancagua, ChileSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plaza_de_los_H%C3%A9roes.jpg
Author: Aeveraal
Rancagua is the capital of Cachapoal Province, in O'Higgins Region, Chile. Located 87 km (54 mi) south of Santiago, it covers 260.3 sq km (100.5 sq mi) and has a population of 220,000 people (2012 estimate).
Rancagua was founded by José Antonio Manso de Velasco in 1743 and was originally named Villa Santa Cruz de Triana. It is the site of the 1814 Battle of Rancagua between Chilean forces led by Bernardo O'Higgins against the vastly superior Spanish forces led by Mariano Osorio. The Spanish prevailed in the batter, leading to the repressive Reconquista period of Spanish rule.
Today Rancagua is a modern city with an economy based on mining, tourism, agriculture and services. It is also one of the most attractive in the O'Higgins Region. The city is surrounded by vast expanses of vineyards. The city is also home to El Teniente, located 40 km (25 mi) to the east of the city center. This is the largest underground copper mine in the world.
El Teniente, ChileSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Caletones.jpg
Author: Javier Rubilar
Visiting Rancagua
You can reach Rancagua by taking the Metrotren from Santiago's Estación Central. The fare is $1300 CLP for a one-way trip. To drive there, take Ruta 5, the main highway heading south from Santiago. The distance is 90 km. There are two toll plazas on the route for a total toll fare of $2000 CLP.
Places of Interest in Rancagua
- Casa de la Cultura
Cultural center that was built in the early 1700s as the base for the Spanish forces during the Battle of Rancagua.
- Iglesia de la Merced
Adobe church built in 1778.
- Monumento a Bernardo O'Higgins
Monument at Plaza de los Héroes in Rancagua. It honors the fallen heroes of the 1814 Battle of Rancagua.
- Museo Regional de Rancagua
Museum housed in two historic buildings dating to 1790 and 1800. Its displays include religious art of the Central Valley, mining history and weaving traditions.
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