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Temuco, ChileSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temuco_-_mirador_%C3%91ielol.jpg
Author: Claude Cobar
Temuco is a city in the Cautín Province, Araucanía Region, in southern Chile. It is located in the heartland of the Mapuche tribe, some 670 km to the south of Santiago. The city covers 464 sq km (179 sq mi) and has a population of 245,000 (2011 estimate).
The history of Temuco began when a fort, Fuerte Recabarren, was built there in 1881. From that military installation, a settlement was established and over time, it before the downtown area of Temuco. The city got its name from the Mapudungun language of the Mapuche people meaning "Temu's water".
An influx of European immigrants in the early 20th century spurred the growth of Temuco, turning it into a regional commercial and transportation hub. Today Temuco is a modern city that continues to preserve its indigenous traditions and culture.
Interior of Temuco CathedralSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interior_Catedral_Temuco.jpg
Author: Gonzalo Pineda-Zuniga
Visiting Temuco
Temuco is linked by plane, train and buses to Santiago.Sights & Attractions in Temuco
- Feria Libre Anibal Pinto
This is the traditional open air market where you can see local traders selling many familiar as well as local items, from cheeses to herbs and spices. - Iglesia Anglicana Santa Trinidad
Anglican church built in the 1920s by missionaries from England, located facing Plaza Teodoro Schmidt. - Mercado Municipal
A vast indoor market housed in a market building built in 1930. It shows an interesting blend of European architecture occupied by a marketing with vendors selling native food items. - Monumento Natural Cerro Ñielol
This is a natural monument - protected forest - that is home to many species of plants native to the Araucanía region. There are forest trails, one of which leading to La Patagua del Armisticio, the site where an armistice was signed between the Mapuche and the Chilean government in 1881. - Museo Nacional Ferroviaria Pablo Neruda
This is the national railway museum. The highlight is the mammoth locomotive hall, Casa de Máquinas, built in 1929-43 for maintenance of the locomotives. Today it houses a large collection of old trains. - Museo Regional de la Araucanía
Regional museum recounting Araucanía's often turbulent history. It also showcases a collection of archaeological and historical objects. - Plaza Anibal Pinto
This is the main public square in Temuco. At its center is the Monumento a la Araucanía, a memorial commemorating the city's colonial founders. - Plaza Teodoro Schmidt
Public square in Temuco named after its 19th century architect. The plaza is also the venue of Feria Arte, a crafts fare held there every February.
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