Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Chilean Peso
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Population:
Approximately 130,000 people call La Serena home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for La Serena: The climate in La Serena offers clear skies and temperatures range between 59ºF-68ºF/15°C-20°C during the summer, with an average annual temperature of 58ºF/15ºC. July is the coldest winter month and February, in mid-summer is the warmest. There is virtually no rain for nine months of the year, making it a perfect destination all year.
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Visitors will discover that the very name of this town describes its ambiance. The pace here seems slower than the norm. The city was founded by Juan Bohon back in mid-16th Century. Not long thereafter silver was discovered in the area, causing an economic boom that attracted people from all over South America. It is located along the Pacific Coast, only about three hundred miles north of Santiago, Chile's capital.
Plaza del Armas is the city's center, in every way. This plaza is surrounded by old churches, small shops, and municipal buildings. La Serena is a city that is very much in touch with its past, as witnessed in its archaeological museum and religious art museum. Its highlights include the beautiful white sand beaches that line it.
As a result of its Mediterranean climate, white sandy beaches, and tourist attractions, La Serena is Chile's second oldest city and has grown to be a prime coastal resort.
The well named Pacific (peaceful) Ocean waters are warm and readily welcome tourists from all over the world. Close to La Serena, there are beautiful valleys where some of the world's most famous Chilean grapes are grown. This is definitely a destination you don't want to miss.
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Attractions |
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When cruise passengers visit La Serena you have two options. You can either lounge all day at the beach for a time of relaxation, or you can choose to sightsee, and learn about the city's history. La Serena is not only a place with white sand beaches, nice weather, beautiful scenery and good food. The colonial architecture is very appealing to visitors.
Plaza de Armas:
:The neoclassical Cathedral built in 1844.
Gabriel González Videla House:
Now a museum and a national monument.
Built between 1585 and 1627,
The San Francisco Church:
Built between 1585 and 1627, a national monument erected in the Italian Renaissance style façade. It survived the fire of 1680. The premises is home to a Religious Art Museum which maintains a collection of religious art from the Cuzqueños and Quiteñas art schools of the colonial period.
The Light House of La Serena:
A favorite attraction that can be seen on many postcards and photographs. Built during the presidential term of Gabriel González Videla. The monument has a defense wall, terraces and gardens. The real Light House is located on Punta Tortuga, Coquimbo.
Casa Carmona:
The home of the owner of the Arqueros silver mine. Built between 1855 and 1860.
Casa de La Providencia:
A national monuement that was originally built as an orphanage.
The Archaeological Museum:
This museum is home to the displays of the indigenous cultures of Tarapaca, Antofagasta, Atacama and Coquimbo. At this museum you will also find a Fine Arts section, Library, and the Center of the Historical Documentation.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.chile-travel.com/laserena.htm
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