Angol

Angol is a city in the south of the South American Andean state of Chile and is located in the Región de la Araucanía. It has about 48 996 inhabitants ( census 2002).

Geography and climate

The city is located about 128 km northeast of Temuco on the rivers Río Malleco and Río Vergara. It is the capital of the province of Malleco.

The climate is Mediterranean.

History

During the pre- Hispanic period, around 1200 BC, the people of El Vertel lived in the area around Angol. From this people, there are numerous archaeological finds, such as pottery. The El Vertel are the ancestors of the Mapuche.

In the October 24, 1553 Francisco Gutierrez de Altamirano founded in memory of Pedro de Valdivia Fort Los Confines. In January 1555 the town was renamed in Angol de los Confines and officially declared by Governor García Hurtado de Mendoza to the city in April 1559. Angol was exposed in this time of constant attacks by the Mapuche.

On April 18, 1600, the town was completely destroyed by the Mapuche. As of 1610, the slow rebuilding began. 1638 came Franciscans ( OFM ) to Angol. In 1641 the city received the name of San Francisco de la Vega de Angol. In the same year the city was abandoned due to the attacks. 1766 attempts were made to colonize the city again, but a Mapuche attack destroyed these goals.

It was only on December 7, 1862, the Chilean president José Joaquín Pérez Mascayano was able to found the new place. The city rights they then received in 1871.

The earthquake in 1960, the town was destroyed over 80%.

Attractions

The city is crossed by very many beautiful gardens and squares. In the museums, the Museo Histórico de Angol and Museo Dillmann Bullock you can explore the history of El Vergel people and the colonization by the Spanish.

East of the city lies the Nahuelbuta ( National Park ), with its 68 km ². Most popular vantage point is the summit Piedra El Águila ( 1,460 m ), from which hikers have a panoramic view to the Pacific Ocean and the Andes.

Economy

Around 30% of the Chilean apple exports come from Angol. In addition, many other fruits and vegetables are grown, such as tomatoes and walnuts. In addition, many flowers, such as orchids are produced.

Around the city are a number of large eucalyptus plantations.