- Address: Prat, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile;
- Area: 17,824 m²;
- Foundation date: 1886;
- Sightseeing: a monument to Captain Arturo Prat, a monument to the heroes of Iquique, the building of the Navy of Chile.
The Chilean city of Valparaiso is not only one of the most beautiful regions of the republic, but also the most important cultural center of the country. In 2003, it was even recognized as a UNESCO historical heritage, due to which the popularity of the city among foreign visitors increased at times. Many travel agencies and professional guides recommend starting an acquaintance with Valparaiso from its historic center - Plaza Sotomayor. About her features and major attractions we will tell further.
General information
The main decoration of Valparaiso is Sotomayor Square, which is located at the foot of the Cordillera Hill , opposite the Prat Pier . Initially, the area was called Plaza de la Aduan, then it was renamed Dvortsovaya, and only years later it got its present name, which was given in honor of the Chilean politician and important military figure Rafael Sotomayor.
During the excavation for the construction of underground parking, the remains of the first pier of Valparaiso were found, making Sotomayor Square the most important historical place of the city and one of its most popular sights.
What to see?
Sotomayor Square in Valparaiso reflects the main historical events of the city and the country as a whole. Among places worthy of special attention, it should be noted:
- Monument to the heroes of Iquique . The monument, erected in honor of the glorious sailors fighting in the Second Pacific War, is located in the heart of Plaza Sotomayor and was opened on May 21, 1886. At the top of the monument are statues of Arturo Prata, Ignacio Serrano, Ernesto Riquelme, etc. On the pedestal, the main events with dates and an inscription engraved: "To their heroes-martyrs!"
- Department of fire protection . The building, located in the eastern part of Sotomayor Square in Valparaiso, is the oldest fire department in the city (founded in 1851!) And one of the main historical sites of Chile.
- Hotel Reina Victoria . The oldest hotel, Valparaiso, was built over 100 years ago, in 1902, by the design of the renowned Chilean architect Stephen O. Harrington. Initially, the hotel was called Hotel Inglés, but eventually it was renamed and named in honor of Queen Victoria.
- The building of the Navy of Chile . The structure is a 5-storey building, executed in gray-blue tones in the style of neoclassicism. Today this is the main subject of pride of all local residents, which shows the great importance of Valparaiso as a seaport.
In addition, a solemn parade on the Day of the Navy of Chile is held on Sotomayor Square every year. Here, too, important cultural events of the country are organized, which are always accompanied by bright performances and colorful fireworks at the end.
How to get there?
Sotomayor Square in Valparaiso is located in the heart of the city, so anyone who wants to visit it can get here by public transport, in particular by bus. There are routes 00001, 002, 203, 207, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 501, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 513, 521, 802 and 902 to the square. To get off at the stop Sotomayor .