Lebu, Chile

Lebu is a city in the south of the South American Andean state of Chile and is located in the Región del Bío -Bío. It has about 27,000 inhabitants ( 2003).

The name Lebu is derived from the language Mapudungun ( Mapuche language ). Leufu means as much as the word river.

Geography

The city is located about 145 km south of Concepción on the Pacific. The River flows through Lebu Lebu. It is the capital of the province of Arauco.

History

In March 1540, Francisco de Camargo reached the coast of Lebu. 1544 explored Juan Bautista Pastene the Rio Lebu. In order to protect the area from Mapuche attacks, the Spaniards built in 1566 a first fort in Lebu. In 1604 they named the place Fuerte Santa Margarita de Austria. The name Fuerte Lebu was 1641.

On November 18, 1824, the cacique of the Mapuche and Chileans concluded a peace treaty and handed over to Chile Lebu. On October 6, 1862, the Lebu was officially founded and received on 10 January 1874, the city rights. On January 25, 1875 it was the capital of the province of Arauco.

On May 22, 1960 Lebu was hit by an earthquake with magnitude 7.3.

Attractions

In the city there are two 3 -meter-long bronze cannon that Cañones de Bronce from the fortress time. They are a national monument. On the coast is Playa Millaneco a trip mile. The long coastline is only conditionally suitable for swimming because of the dangerous flow. In the north of the city are caves, such as the " Caverna Benavides " to visit. In the old fishing port of Puerto Pesquero Artesanal can be seen fishing boats and fish shop.

The Rio Lebu is ideal for hiking excursions. To the south of the island of Mocha Lebu is with the Isla Mocha National Park.

Economy

Lebu is one of the most important places of the Chilean fishing industry. Around 30 % of Chile's fish production comes from the city. In addition, the coal mining plays a role, as well as agriculture.