Quillota

Quillota is a city in the middle of Chile. It is situated in the Región de Valparaíso. It has 67 779 inhabitants (as of 2005).

Geography and climate

The city lies about 48 km east of Valparaiso. It is the capital of the province quillota. The valley of quillota lies between the coastal mountains, thus making the air semitropisch and allows the cultivation of exotic fruits.

History

1536 Diego de Almagro entered the first of the valley quillota. The valley was, however, already inhabited around 2000 years before. Built in 1540 Pedro de Valdivia settlements, leaving promote gold in the surrounding mountains.

The city was founded on November 11, 1717 Villa de San Martín de la Concha from Governor Don José Santiago Concha y Salvatierra. August 6, 1822 the village received city rights.

Attractions

In the city's many colonial buildings are still obtained, which can be partly visited. The town has an archaeological museum, the Archaeological Museum, which is the history of the area.

The surrounding area of quillota with its diverse landscapes is ideal for hiking. South of quillota the La Campana National Park is located with its 80 km ². In the park are the Chilean palm Jubilea chilensis. Also searched there earlier for gold, some disused mines testify to this.

Economy

The semi- tropical climate allows for intensive agriculture with exotic citrus fruits, walnuts, cherimoya, avocado, and flowers. The beautiful landscape is very interesting for tourism.

Mining with copper mining and two thermal power plants have strong economic sectors to quillota.

Sons and daughters of the town

• Elmina Moissan (1897-1936), painter