Viña del Mar is a beautiful landmark of Chile,the renowned and bustling garden city of South America is one of of the great attractions along that magnificent Pacific coastline in the shade of the majestic range of highlands called Andes.
That Chilean centre is since some decades ago in continuous and increasing development consolidating itself as one of the most important tourist destinations of the Latin American Continent.
Several travellers are often impressed visiting that Chilean coastal city for its lively and warm atmosphere,the several restaurants in abundance enjoying excellent fish and seafood on its coast but also for its vibrant nightlife and cultural calendar in terms of events and festivals celebrated there.
Viña as many people from South America calls the city in a simple abbreviation is the Chile's most luxurious seaside resort which attracts an eclectic mix of visitors,its tropical natural environment,large avenues with palms and banana trees are undoubtedly all highlights of a the frame of a splendid scenery.
Its vast,soft white sandy beaches and the character of the city dominated by its charming colonial buildings are a great holidays promotional spot and Viña del Mar is part of a long network holidays centres along that stupendous Pacific coast which is often called Chile's Riviera thanks to the presence of other seaside resorts such as Zapallar,Concón,Cachagua, and the fast-growing and hugely popular town of Reñaca.
Located at 120,0 Kilometres northwest of the Capital of the country of Santiago de Chile and at just 9,0 kilometres north of the city of Valparaíso in a priviliged position on the shore of the Ocean,Viña del Mar is also well connected to the central valleys and the interior of Chile.
The growth of the city surprises many people for its bustling atmosphere and its mixture of architecture made by modern and colonial buildings,luxury Hotels and Venues which are the set of a destination famous worldwide for its International Song Festival held each year in the third week of February and lasts for five days.
The city is also home to the most renowned Casino Municipal the Gaming Casino you will find in that city and considered one of the most popular in all Latin America.
High season is mainly during the summer months of January and February and during that period the city's cultural life is always lively becoming particularly vibrant with concerts,International and Continental meetings and conventions,cultural events,and another activity very famed is also shopping is very popular due the presence of many of Chile's finest boutiques.
The city is nicknamed Ciudad Jardin,the Garden City for the notable presence of beautiful gardens and stunning parks including the famous Parque Quinta Vergara a huge splendid green area which is an authentic symbol of Viña del Mar.
Quinta de Vergara is a famous and renowned district and its name derives from Vergara family who lived in that area and Jose Francisco Vergara who was the founder of the so called Garden city.
That neighbourhood lies opposite to the square Plaza Sucre and it is simply called by locals La Quinta consisting in a huge complex of green areas and spaces surrounded by many tropical trees and a large variety of flowers along its streets.
In the middle of the Quinta's carefully-landscaped grounds is situated the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Museum of fine Arts housed in a turn of the century mansion called Casa Vergara (Vergara House).
Thanks to the collections of the wealthiest families that museum is one of the most important in the city in which you can admire some interesting contemporary and modern paintings.The house was destroyed by the earthquake of the year 1906 and rebuilt with a splendid work in Venetian Gothic style,a masterpiece by the architect Ettore Santini completed in 1910.
In the year 1941 the Municipality of Viña del Mar acquired the property opening the park to public and arranged the Palace Museum of Fine Arts and the School of Fine Arts.Upon transfer of the Quinta Vergara family hands to the Municipality the collection of oil paintings from the family owned also passed to the State
Those 60 works by major European artists are an essential patrimony of the artistic heritage of that Museum making that notable exhibition as one of the most relevant of the entire country.
Quinta Vergara Park is also an exquisite and enchanting ride,its biological diversity is due to Doña Dolores Alvarez Perez, a relative of the wife of Jose Francisco Vergara who commissioned his son who was travelling to Asia and Oceania.
That noble woman integrated exotic plants in the gardens arranged on over the 61 hectares of surface with the Jardìn Botànico Nacional, the National Botanic Garden home of an enormous variety of native exotic plants and flowers,that work was a spectacular success representing in all its essence a masterpiece a sort of icon of the Garden City.
Palacio Rioja is one of the most important attractions in the municipality,it is a splendid palace erected in French style in the year 1906 by the architect Alfredo Azancot for the banker Fernando Rioja from him the name of that stylish and beautiful construction.
Currently the building houses a museum,a cinema,an open air theatre,a swimming pool, tennis courts and a riding school and it is owned by the Municipality and some of the many spacious rooms are used for meetings and conferences as well.
Located in an area called Quillota considered one of the most relevant of the city,according to local rumours,there's even a resident ghost who wanders around that place.
Most of the oldest,renowned and more interesting buildings are located along Avenida Libertad (Liberty Avenue), Quillota and Quinta Vergara which are all together considered the hub of the city.
The presidential summer residence,the Castillo Presidencial (Presidential Castle) is another distinctive building of Viña del Mar.Located on a hill called Cerro Castillo on the south side of the mouth of the Marga river it has that name since the Spanish colonial times.
It was originally built as a fort for its strategic position and initially that castle was connected with other structures developed on the hills which separated Viña del Mar from Valparaiso.
However in the 19th century to build the railway between those two cities was opened a cut in the mountains which definitely divided Cerro Castillo from the hills which currently make up the Barrio del Recreo the district of Recreation a very bustling area of thar Chilean city
Cerro Castillo is today a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood with large houses mainly populated by high social class.The streets around that hilly district open directly to the city featuring expansive and splendid views on the entire centre of the city.
.In addition,since the year 1930, during the first period of President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo rule Cerro Castillo Presidential Palace was the residence in which the presidents of Chile can reside.
Its project was approved and developed between thee years 1929 and 1930, under the direction of the architects Luis Browne and Manuel Valenzuela.It is set on top of the same name and its fine Neo medieval style building gives an exquisite air of importance and all around was developed a large park which dominates the bay of the harbour.
The construction of that palace received criticism from the public opposition in that time,mainly for its luxury and for being outrageously expensive.It was for that reason that presidents as Jorge Alessandri and Allende not long resided in that site.
At the foot of that hill, by the sea was developed the coastal road connecting the famous beach Caleta Abarca to other one Playa Marga.In that area there are the famous Hotel Miramar,Wulff Castle and Cap Ducal and all that section of the city is considered another boasting several attractions.
An iconic and renowned building and declared National Monument is Castillo Wullf (Wullf Castle) situated next to the beautiful boulevard Avenida Marina.It was built in 1906 by a businessman of German origin called Gustavo Adolfo Wullf using the typical British Architectonic Tudor style.
The building consists in an imposing tower which is connected to a palace developed on two floors in medieval style and providing a bridge.
Notable is the architectonic composition with a the building with a splendid Tudor facade under a captivating red gable roof next to a first thin high tower covered by a long conical roof flanking other two adjacent towers forming a unique block.
The first is very similar to the medieval checkpoints with its circular summit while the second much larger is highlighted by a crenellated perimeter on its upper section and very scenic is the position of them over a stoned wall dominating the Ocean.
From there you can enjoy a great view on the coast admiring the areas of Caleta Abarca and all the nearest beaches.Currently the building houses the offices and headquarters of the Heritage Unit of the Municipality of Viña del Mar.
There you can visit an interesting exhibition consisting in the Museo de la Cultura del Mar (the Museum of the Sea Culture) which displays a splendid collection formed by maritime items and also reflecting the history of the city as Spa resort too .
Along the important and lively boulevard Avenida de la Marina is situated another iconic building called Castillo Ross ( Ross Castle) erected in the year 1912 by the architect Cruz Montt who inspired by British architecture developed that construction in a brilliant Tudor style just like Wulff Castle-
It is an outstanding stoned masterpiece which is an exact replica of a Scottish Castle of the 19th century and in 1967 the building was purchased by an Arab real estate.A superb highlight of that construction is the perfect harmony of the architectonic elements in its facade such as roof,windows,cornices and the material used (stones) giving that construction a very scenic image.
Castillo Yarur as Chilean people calls it but also named Palacio Brunet from Adolfo Brunet who lived there in the year 1923 it is a majestic and stylish building declared National Monument close to the presidential mansion and it is currently used as reception building centre for important diplomatic visits in Chile and it is currently owned by the Carabineros de Chile the Chilean Police.
Its designer was the architect Jorge Espinoza Schroeder who although born in Talcahuano developed his professional activity preferably in Viña del Mar.
The man died in the year 1939,the family succession decided to sell the rough work of that castle the following year being acquired by Nicolas Yarur who entrusted terminates at the same architect Jorge Schroeder ordering a special way to watch every detail.
Very scenic is the front set with a high tower developed on a circular plan reminiscent a building of the late middle ages highlighted by the presence of arched windows on its facade dominating two adjacent buildings one erected on a long rectangular base and the other one on an irregular square base with a charming gable facade.
In Avenida Libertade you can admire Palacio Carrasco a beautiful example of English architectonic inspiration with French details and Italian garden.
Declared National Historic Monument in the year 1986,that palace is surrounded by a wide park park,currently hosts the Library Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna a public library very famous in Viña del Mar which is also used as centre of events and conferences.
Absolutely splendid is the symmetry of the lines of ample rectangular windows on its main facade with a perfect combination of colours the white and a light blue in its upper section and a series of decorated balconies which complete an almost perfect architectonic design.
The cosmopolitan aspect of the building is completed by a neoclassic sculpture called La Defensa (The defence) situated facing a step leading to the main entrance,a work by famous French artist Auguste Rodin.
One of the local landmarks in the area of Caleta Abarca is El Reloj de Flores,the famous Flower Clock which is one of the most characteristic and scenic places of the city.
That masterpiece was developed to welcome to the Garden City the participants of the Football World Cup celebrated in the year 1962,which would be played in the country and also with Viña del Mar protagonist.
For its privileged natural and urban environment,the flowers watch is one of the most chosen by tourists to be photographed immortalising their way through the garden city.
The watch is on a slope and on it you can reads the name of the city,Viña del Mar,with lyrics composed of flowers and plants while the twelve numbers of the clock and its background are composed of beautiful flowers of different colours that do not exceed 10 centimetres high,not to hinder the movement of the hands of the clock.
The clock mechanism was brought from the mecca of the world watches,Switzerland,its needles are brass and the largest (two pointers) are slightly more than three meters each.That site is an indisputable symbol of the city often presentsin tourism promotion as image and icon of the municipality in several tourism fairs and exhibitions.
In many tourist place in the world is said that the visitor can do something to come back there once again.. You know drinking water of a certain source as La Canaleta of Barcelona is tradition to come back to the magnificent Catalan Capital or launching a coin in the famous Fontana di Trevi in Rome is the expression of desire to come back one day to visit the Italian capital once again.
Viña del Mar tradition holds that who is photographed in the flower will back to the city with all that every tourist immortalised in a picture manifest the hope to come back to re visit that Chilean coastal city.
The nearest Mirador Vista Hermosa is a beautiful view point towards Cerro Castillo and from which you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the city and it is considered one of the most attractive of the entire city.
El Festival de la canción de Viña del Mar,The International Song Festival of Viña is an annual and renowned attraction celebrated in the Anfiteatro Vergara during the third week of February and in that month the city is bustling and animated in every corner living that event with extreme passion.
Quinta Vergara amphitheatre was built in the year 1960 and completely rebuilt in the early 2000s.The festival itself is a competition between American, European and Latin American singers competing for the prize called Gaviota de Plata (the famous Silver Seagull).
Many prominent artists performed in different Festival editions,some of them were Sting,Paul Anka,Luis Miguel, Marc Anthony,Simply Red,Tom Jones,The A-Ha,Duran Duran,Backstreet Boys,Miguel Bosé,Umberto Tozzi,Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias among others.
But what really makes the festival a great attraction is its diversity of entertainment with artists known all around the world.The Vergara Anfitheatre also hosts the famous International Film Festival of Viña del Mar considered one of the most important film festivals in Chile and Latin America.
The central Plaza Vergara (Vergara Square) is a beautiful area with an exotic vegetation on the sides and in which was erected the Teatro Municipal Municipal (Municipality Theatre )and the famous Hotel O´Higgins.
The Theatre was inaugurated in the year 1930 in the presence of the President of Chile Carlos Ibáñez del Campo.In occasion of the opening ceremony was presented in Italian Lyric Stage Company in perfect formation to sing the national anthem while the audience stood up.
The national anthem was sung on that occasion by the Chilean baritone Metropolitan Opera House USA. Carlos Morelli and chanted by the Company and audience.
The final construction of the Teatro Municipal was in Greek-Roman classical style simple but elegant in correspondence to the entrance with the steps which enhance the facade,charming windows and stylish doors gates with lights flashing inside.
The velvet curtain were brought from Milan and that venue has a capacity of about 1,100 people.The City Council of Viña del Mar adopted as historical and architectural buildings in 2000 and its stage has seen a wide and great number of celebrities a protagonist as set of famous ,ballet companies operas and more varied number of shows.Thanks to all that and for its history it was declared a National Monument in the tear 2010.
The Casino Municipal of Vina del Mar is the first and most attractive Casino of Chile.Situated next to the the long boulevard Avenida San Martin (St.Martin Avenue),that splendid Art Deco building is totally surrounded by nice gardens and offering a great view of the Pacific Ocean.
It is generally opened after 08.00 p.m and close its doors at 07.00 a.m.As in several venues of that kind if people wears jeans can not enter in all the rooms and halls and no shorts allowed or sandals.
The Casino was officially opened on 31st December 1930.The building has three levels of game rooms, meeting rooms,auditorium,exhibition hall,restaurants,an exclusive cigar shop and souvenirs,as well as services such as call centre and polyclinic which has provided visitors a comprehensive and first class.
The Casino de Viña del Mar is a symbol of the city and it is considered one of the most complete and modern in the World also providing several cabaret shows which has had as protagonists top international artists.
If you are fond about museums in Viña del Mar you can have the opportunity to visit the Museo de Archeologia y Historia Natural Fonck (Fonck Museum of Archaeology and Natural History).
Besides being a classic archaeological and cultural palace,it houses a very interesting exhibition which displays a wide range of items from prehistoric times to clothing from the Chilean to the Araucanian silverware and Pre-Colombian ceramics.
Another section contains exhibits of a historical character more natural with samples of fossils and minerals, preserved insects and stuffed animals and the museum also has the only Moai of Easter Island in the continent.
Muelle Vergara (Vergara Pier ) is a popular image of the city,it is the old pier,reshaped today for tourism use,not only the place in which it is located but also for its impressive crane.
Inaugurated in the year 1938,it was firstly used in the loading and unloading of coal, later it was the spring of the former sugar refinery Crav and in the year 1983 it became a centre of tourism.
That structure is located next to the Playa de Acapulco (Acapulco beach) and Playa del Sol (Sun Beach),is an area packed by restaurants,cafes,bars,clubs and during summer season is an important meeting point for locals and tourists.
The most important Church in the city is the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Dolores a Religious building dedicated to of Our Lady of Sorrows.
It was the first Church in the municipality erected in the year 1882 on the grounds of the estate of Vina del Mar called the 7 sisters.That construction was practically redeveloped after the earthquake of the year 190 ,as the previous building was destroyed
The architectonic design consists in a Romantic modern style and it occupies the place in which originally the Chapel was built on a land donated by the owner a lady called Dolores Perez Alvarez and it was opened in the year 1912 again.
The other Church worth a visit is the Iglesia de San Miguel de los Padres Capuchinos which is a convent of the Capuchin monks order.
Erected in Spanish romantic style,the first stone was laid in the year 1916 by Father Jose Lagarda founder and first pastor of that Convent.
The Church marked on the outside of a belfry in which the bells are placed crowned by a pinion.In its interior that Sacred Temple has seven arches in the nave of seven pairs of columns and six windows each sealing side and a rose window behind the choir.
El Jardin Botanico the National Botanic Gardens,bordering the industrial area of Viña del Mar is a huge oasis of vegetation covering an area of 41 hectares with more than 850 species of flora.
Originally commissioned by the Baron Pascual Baburizza and created by the French landscaper George Dubois,that immense park was donated to the Nitrate and Iodine Company to ensure its permanence and it serves in purposes of education and science,furthermore it is an excellent place to enjoy relaxing walks thanks to its stony paths, ponds and woodlands and it is loved by several locals for its extension and peace.
Viña del Mar is well known and renowned for its Derby Day.As the traditional British race held at Ascot since the 18th century and that event linked to that famous English site (I wrote a post about it if you are interested) takes place in Viña del Mar uninterruptedly since the late 19th century celebrated the first Sunday in February.
Calle Valparaiso (Valparaiso Street) is the commercial heart and core of the city and along it you can find several shops souvenirs one of them is Galeria Florida (Florida Gallery) located in a large square with many cafe and barsma very bustling and lively corner of the city..
Those two places are particularly suggested to enjoy shopping for the ample variety of articles and items present.
To enjoy a wonderful sunset in Viña del Mar you can walk along Avenida Peru (Peru Avenue) close to the beautiful beaches,Playa Acapulco and Playa Estero.That spleendid boulevard was developed in the year 1930 and it is a charming promenade in the city highlighted on its side by several beautiful buildings in Neoclassic and Art Deco styles.
Another place all to enjoy is a walk to the Mirador de Agua Santa.That viewpoint offers a beautiful view of Viña del Mar and at night from that place you can appreciate the artificial lights illuminating the bay and it is very suggest for its fantastic position and perspective
That stunning place was designed exclusively as a pedestrian walkway and landscaping features with seats which allow to admire the Garden City and the Bay of Valparaiso in all its glory and splendour.
On the north coast you can visit many other attractive beaches such as Reñaca,Mirasol,Las Salinas, Salinas,Concon (I wrote a post about that place if you want to know something more) and Cochoa.
Do not miss Reñaca which is is a resort whose beach is several kilometres and it is located around the mouth of the estuary of the river with the same name.That place is well known to be a major shopping and entertainment centre,in which there is a lively nightlife on weekends particularly during summer season.
The area has excellent infrastructures such as Hotels, restaurants,shopping centres,several services and facilities and tourism and it is loved for its marvellous coast.
One of its highlights is the Mirador de los Lobos Marinos is a spectacular place located at just 3,0 kilometres from Reñaca offering the opportunity to see the sea lions resting on rocks,that kind of marine fauna is often present in the vicinity and it is an attraction for tourists visiting that resort.
Do not miss a walk to the Mirador de Agua Santa.That viewpoint offers tourists a beautiful view of Viña del Mar because during the night from that place can appreciate the lights of the bay from a fantastic position and perspective.
It was designed exclusively as a pedestrian walkway and landscaping features and seats that allow visitors to see the Garden City and the Bay of Valparaiso in all its glory and splendour.
The local cuisine offers an ample variety of plates and it is the result of the mixture of Spanish gastronomy with local Indian native Mapuche.
Naturally in Viña del Mar you can taste fresh fish and seafood every day,excellent mussels,prawns,clams, very traditional is the Caldillo de Congrio a stew of Conger fish and also very popular the Paila Marina a stew of fish and seafood similar to the Spanish Zarzuela or in something to the French Bouillabaisse.
Very tastefully are also octopus and cod cooked in different styles and do miss to try the local and delectable Empanadillas which are part of the most typical cuisine.If you love meat you can taste delicious Asados and Parrillada,grilled beef meat of very good quality.
Notable is the selection of fine wines with local Chardonnay,Merlot,Cabernet-Sauvignon and try the Pisco Sour a cocktail prepared with grape and lemon juices very common in Peru and Chile.
Viña del Mar is located at 112,0 kilometres. north of Santiago de Chile.It could get by bus from the Terminal San Borja in the Chilean Capital next the Metro Central Station underground or at the Central Estcion de Buses close to University of Santiago Metro Station.
By car to get to Viña del Mar,you can take the route 68 following the indications to Valparaiso reaching the Highway Viña Del Mar - Valparaiso driving along it approximately 5.5 kilometres which starts at Caleta Abarca.
If you are planning a trip to Chile and you love to visit a splendid beach resort spending holidays or inserting great places in your tailor made tour dedicating a short break in different places Viña del Mar is a superb site.
Pleasant,lively,bustling and charming with several attractions to visit,the Garden City with all its beauties and many events throughout the year is definitely a great destination you will totally enjoy.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in Viña del Mar
Hotel Sheraton Miramar Hotel
Hotel O´Higgins
Hotel Best Western Marina del Rey
Hotel San Martin
Gala Hotel
www.vinadelmar.cl
www.visitevinadelmar.cl
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
www.panamericanahoteles.cl
www.marinadelrey.cl
www.hotelsanmartin.cl
www.galahotel.cl
www.chile.travel
www.visitchile.com
www.turismochile.cl
www.welcomechile.com
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