Villarrica (Chile)

Villarrica is a city in southern Chile in the Región de la Araucanía. It has around 45,000 inhabitants ( 2005).

Geography

Villarrica is located about 85 km southeast of Temuco on the western shore of Lake Villarrica. The Lago Villarrica has an area of ​​approximately 176 km ² and a maximum depth of 165 m. At the lake there are many beautiful beaches. He is the source of the River Toltén.

Southeast of the city the active Villarrica volcano is located with 2840m height.

The climate is similar to that of Germany. Especially in winter it rains a lot but, snowfalls are rare.

History

1551 Pedro de Valdivia reached the area around Lago Villarrica. On April 23, 1552 Jerónimo de Alderete founded the city of Santa María Magdalena de la Villa Rica. However, the city 1554-1559 had to be abandoned after massive Mapucheangriffen. 1559 founded Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza, the city again. In 1575 the city was badly damaged by the volcano Villarrica, died as 350 residents.

From 1597 began again massive Mapucheangriffe and the city was completely abandoned in 1602. The Spaniards retreated for a long time in the area.

January 1, 1883, the area was given back to the Chileans Gregorio Urrutia by caciques Epulef. On January 2, 1897, the rebuilding of the city began. Then the town of Villarrica was founded in June 1916.

In the very strong earthquake of 22 May 1960, the Lago Villarrica overflowed its banks and destroyed many houses near the shore.

Attractions

Tourism is the main source of income in Villarrica, in particular the Lake Villarrica and Villarrica volcano attract a lot of tourists.

To the east of the lake are two national parks, the National Park Villarrica and the National Park Huerquehue.

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