Valparaiso

Nicknamed "The Jewel of the Pacific", Valparaíso was declared a world heritage site based upon its improvised urban design and unique architecture. In 1996, the World Monuments Fund declared Valparaíso's unusual system of funicular lifts (steeply inclined carriages) one of the world's 100 most endangered historical treasures. In 1998, grassroots activists convinced the Chilean government and local authorities to apply for UNESCO world heritage status for Valparaíso. Valparaíso was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Valparaíso is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Landmarks include:

1.Iglesia de la Matriz

2.Plaza Aníbal Pinto

3.Plaza Sotomayor

4.Courthouse

5.16 remaining funiculars (called ascensores): 15 public (national monuments) and 1 private (which belongs to "Hospital Carlos Van Buren").

6.The Concepcion and Alegre historical district

7.The Bellavista hill, which has the "Museo a Cielo Abierto" or "open sky museum"

8.Monument to Admiral Lord Thomas Alexander Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald

9.Monument to Manuel Blanco Encalada, first Chilean President

10.Cemeteries on the hill - Cemetery Number One (Catholic) and Dissidents Cemetery (Protestant)

Source: Wikipedia

Thanks to a sweet friend, Carolina from Chile for this amazing colourful buildings!

Sent:28 July 2015    Received: 21 August 2015   Travelled: 24 days