Valparaíso

:For other uses, see Valparaiso (disambiguation).

Culture

Valparaíso was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003, thanks to its historical importance, natural beauty (large number of hills surrounding a picturesque harbor), and unique architecture (particularly, a mix of 19th century styles of housing).

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Valparaíso's newspaper, "El Mercurio de Valparaiso", claims to be the oldest Spanish-language newspaper in circulation in the world.

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"Fundación Renzo Pecchenino, LUKAS" maintains the drawings and paintings of the artist/cartoonist who came to symbolize Valparaiso in popular culture, in a newly restored building on Cerro Concepcion, overlooking the bay.

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The city has the second largest concentration of universities in Chile, and is home to four major universities:

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• Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
• Universidad de Valparaíso
• Universidad de Playa Ancha de Ciencias de la Educación

Valparaíso is the birthplace of many historically significant figures, including Augusto Pinochet and Salvador Allende among them. It has also been the residence of many artists like Pablo Neruda and Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío.

Related Topics:
Augusto Pinochet - Salvador Allende - Pablo Neruda - Rubén Darío

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