Go Back
Valdivia, ChileSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valdivia.jpg
Author: Arvid Puschnig
Valdivia is a city in Valdivia Province, Los Ríos Region, in southern Chile. The city covers 1,015 sq km (392 sq mi) and has a population of 141,000 (2011 estimate).
Valdivia was founded in 1552 as Santa María la Blanca de Valdivia. It was named after the Valdivia River, which in turn was named after the Governor of Chile, Pedro de Valdivia. When it was established, Valdivia was the southernmost town in the Spanish empire.
Valdivia was rocked by the Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960, which at 9.5 on the Moment magnitude scale, was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. The city was severely damaged. Even the surrounded landscape was altered by the force of the quake, even deepened some of its rivers.
Convent of the Capuchins, a National Monument in ValdiviaSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convento_capuchino_de_Valdivia-Yerbas_Buenas.jpg
Author: Lin linao
Valdivia did not fully recover from the quake. Its economy and political status went into decline, and after the 1973 Chilean coup d'etat, saw itself eclipsed by a younger city, Puerto Montt, which was selected to be the regional capital.
Today Valdivia celebrates its Spanish heritage and colonial past, which was influenced by 19th century German immigration. The city is once again vibrant, with a number of fine museums and well-preserved historic buildings.
Visiting Valdivia
Valdivia is about 3 hours by bus from Puerto Montt, and 12 hours from Santiago.Sights & Attractions in Valdivia
- Centro Cultural El Austral
Cultural center celebrating Valdivia's German heritage, housed in the home of a pioneer family. It was built in the 1870s in the German chalet style. - Fuerte de Corral
The first and strongest fort in the area, built in 1645. - Fuerte de Mancera
Fort built in 1645 on a small island in Corral Bay, renovated in 1762. - Fuerte de Niebla
Fort at the mouth of the River Valdivia built in 1671 and reinforced in 1767. - Mercado Fluvial
This is Valdivia's fish market, where you get to witness a kaleidoscope of colors as the locals busy themselves with the daily activities. - Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
Housed in a former brewery renovated with a new glass façade, the museum showcases paintings, photograhs, sculptures and other art objects by emerging and established artists, both local and international. - Museo Histórico y Antropológico Mauricio Van de Maele
Museum occupying the 19th century mansion of Karl Anwandter, the founder of Chile's first brewery. Exhibits are arranged in a series of themed galleries showing snapshots of various time periods of local history.
Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips
Copyright © 2003-2025 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.