San Antonio (Chile)

San Antonio is a city in the center of Chile, in the Región de Valparaíso, with 85 641 inhabitants ( 2005).

Geography

The port city is located 50 km ( straight line ) south of Valparaíso directly on the Pacific Ocean. It is also near the Río Maipo empties into the Pacific Ocean.

San Antonio has been repeatedly shaken by earthquakes. The city was, for example, on 16 August in 1906 in the area of the devastating earthquake of Valparaíso.

Climate

The maritime climate is about 14 ° C annual average mild.

History

1810 during the Chilean struggle for independence for Puerto San Antonio Mayor ( major port ) was declared. In 1853 it was decided to expand the port, as the port of Valparaíso was blocked by the Spaniards. After Valparaíso was severely damaged on 31 March 1866 by the Spanish fleet, the roles of San Antonio was more important.

In 1911 the city received a railroad connection to Santiago de Chile. From 1910 to 1917, the harbor from French Augusto Galtier was expanded to a great export harbor.

Economy

San Antonio is a very important port for Chile. About the harbor large amounts of copper are shipped from the El Teniente mine. The port consists of four major terminals.

The city is connected by excellent road and rail links with the domestic.

San Antonio is an important trading port for the Argentine city of Mendoza.

Attractions

  • Port: main attraction is certainly the large port area of ​​the city. The Grúa 82 is a historic steam-powered large crane in the harbor, which was built between 1910 and 1915 by the French. He is a national monument today.
  • On the pier there are many small handicraft stalls that offer their products. Of these, especially the swordfish carvings are worth mentioning.
  • At the fish market are many sea lions that are waiting for a fish head of visitors. For a small amount you get them a bag.
  • Museo Municipal de Historia Natural: The Natural History Museum ' Museo Municipal de Historia Natural' shows the flora and fauna of the marine environment.

Photo Gallery

Historic streetscape

Fireworks

Memorial of St.. Anthony of Padua

Personalities

  • Humberto Andrés Suazo Pontivo, football player
Argentina Breakwater (structure)
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