May 02, 2007.
Valdivia, also called the “pearl of the South”, is one of the oldest cities in Chile and also one of the most visited tourist attractions all over the country. In fact, people usually describe it as Chile’s most beautiful city because of its wonderful surroundings and unique characteristics that make it totally different from all the other cities and places in this country.Valdivia is located 835 kilometers south of Santiago, the capital city, and just a few hours from the rest of the southern cities like Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas and smaller towns like Frutillar, Angelmo etc. This city is also known as the “Pearl of the rivers” because it is located exactly in the place where the Calle – Calle, Valdivia and Cau – Cau Rivers join. This city belongs to the Los Lagos Region and it is the capital of the Province of Valdivia. It will continue being the capital of the newly created “Los Rios Region” in October 2007.
This city has a population of about 140.000 inhabitants, many of whom are German immigrants who came to Chile after the city was founded by Pedro de Valdivia, a Spaniard. This German influence helped this place to become a modern city mixed with the traditional architecture of another country. The early Spanish colonial past and the later history of German colonization left visible landmarks such as the huge Corral Bay Fort and the typical German-style wooden houses. Besides architecture, German education, agricultural method, and social life are still very strong in the southern part of Chile.
The Corral Bay Fort was a huge defensive system created by Spaniards between 1642 and 1671 to protect the city from pirates, natives and enemies. At that time, it was considered the strongest fortification of the southern Pacific. The biggest forts of this system were Castillo San Sebastian de la Cruz and Castillo San Luis de Alba y Amargos in Corral Bay, Castillo San Pedro de Alcantara in Mancera Island and Castillo de la Pura y Limpia Concepción de Monfort y Lemus in Niebla Beach. Niebla is now a small town commonly visited during summer because of its nice beach and interesting historic museum. Mancera Island and Corral Bay are also widely visited by tourists from all over world because of the great importance it has as part of the Chilean culture and history.
People visiting Valdivia during summer vacation may have the chance to be part of one of the city’s major events “Bierfest Valdivia.” This celebration is a reduced version of Germany’s Oktoberfest. The main sponsor and organizer is “Kunstman Beer,” an important company founded by German immigrants years ago, but bought later by a national corporation.
Another important celebration is “Semana Valdiviana” which takes place every year during the second week of February. During this celebration, people usually travel along Calle – Calle River in small ships or boats that are mainly used to transport tourists to different destinations such as Mancera Island, Niebla Beach, Corral Bay, a large botanical garden located on an island, important historical museums, etc. During this festival, the government officials are in charge of choosing a queen that will be the winner of the festival and the person that will represent the city throughout the year. During the last day of celebration, thousands of people light candles and put them in the water to illuminate the area while boats and bigger ships sail along the river.
Valdivia is also known for its great variety of food including delicious desserts such as the typical German Kuchen or Strudel, good beer, big barbeques and “Crudos”, a typical German sandwich prepared with raw meat, onion cut in small pieces and a special sour cream. People who love chocolates may visit “Entrelagos”, a very famous company that makes delicious sweets.
Valdivia is undoubtedly an irresistible destination nobody should miss. It has the great advantage of being one of the cities with the most beautiful surroundings you will ever see and with the most delicious food you will ever taste.
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