San Felipe (Chile)

San Felipe is a town in the middle of Chile. It is situated in the Región de Valparaíso. It has 64 126 inhabitants (as of 2006).

Geography and climate

The city is located about 80 kilometers north of Santiago de Chile on the Rio Aconcagua. The expanded-name of the city is San Felipe de Aconcagua. About 160 kilometers to the east lies the highest mountain in South America, the Aconcagua. The city center is surrounded by the four major roads Chacabuco, Maipu, O'Higgins and Yungai. Three of the four roads are regularly maintained, so invite them to walk.

It has a Mediterranean climate.

History

The city was founded on 4 August 1740 by Governor José Antonio Manso de Velasco. 1747 University of San Felipe was founded. The later Chilean President José Joaquín Pérez Mascayano studied law at this university. The valley of the Río Aconcagua with the Battle of Chacabuco in 1817 plays a large role in the Chilean Unabhängigskeitskampf.

Attractions

In San Felipe is a mix of colonial architecture and modern buildings. The church ed. Anthony of Padua Almendral was designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.

The city is located in the fertile valley of the Río Aconcagua in a magnificent landscape that invites to excursions outright.

Southwest of San Felipe lies 80 km ² National Park La Campana. The park in the coastal mountain range is traversed by palm forests.

Economy

Tourism plays a very important role for the city because of the scenic beauty. Around the city there are major agricultural production areas with citrus fruits and vegetables, and wine.

Near the town are hydroelectric plants that supply the industry with electricity. The nearby town of Llay Llay accommodates large limestone deposits, which uses the chemical and cement industry.