La Serena history

La Serena holds an honourable place in the chronicles of Chile as the country's second-oldest city after Santiago. The official date of foundation is recorded as 4 September 1544, when Captain Juan Bohón, under the orders of conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, established a settlement, naming it Villanueva de la Serena in honour of his hometown in Spain. The city's early history was turbulent: shortly after its founding, it was destroyed by the indigenous population, but thanks to the perseverance of the settlers, it was rebuilt in 1549 by Captain Francisco de Aguirre. It is from this moment that the continuous history of the city's development at its current location begins.

The transformation of La Serena into a significant regional hub was driven by a fortunate combination of geographical and logistical advantages:

• Strategic Position: The city served as a vital link on the maritime and overland route between Santiago and Lima, the centre of Spanish domains in South America at that time.
• Geography and Climate: Its location on coastal terraces provided a good vantage point over the ocean for defence, while proximity to the Elqui River offered access to fresh water and fertile lands.
• Trade Hub: La Serena became a key point for the shipment of copper and agricultural produce from the northern regions.

Since its resurgence, La Serena has acquired the status of an aristocratic and administrative centre. The early economy relied on agriculture in the Elqui Valley, livestock farming, and mining. The wealth and status of the city attracted the attention not only of settlers but also of famous corsairs: during the colonial era, the city endured visits from figures such as Francis Drake. The cultural character of the city was shaped under strong Spanish influence, and construction using local shell limestone, along with an abundance of churches, eventually cemented La Serena's reputation as the "City of Bell Towers".

• 1544 — Captain Juan Bohón founds the settlement of Villanueva de la Serena, making the city the second oldest in Chile after Santiago.
• 1549 — Conquistador Francisco de Aguirre rebuilds the city under the name San Bartolomé de la Serena after its destruction, laying the foundations of its current layout.
• 1680 — English pirate Bartholomew Sharp captures and loots the city, which subsequently leads to a significant strengthening of urban fortifications.
• 1825 — The discovery of rich silver deposits in Arqueros triggers an economic boom and transforms the city into a prosperous financial centre.
• 1844 — Creation of the Coquimbo Province, with La Serena officially becoming its capital, consolidating its administrative status.
• 1862 — Opening of the railway line connecting La Serena with the port of Coquimbo, providing a powerful impetus for trade and transport development in the region.
• 1948 — Launch of the "Plan Serena" under the leadership of President Gabriel González Videla, radically renovating the city's architectural appearance in a Neocolonial style.
• 1953 — Completion of the monumental lighthouse (Faro Monumental), which over time became the most recognisable landmark of the city.
• 1981 — The historic city centre receives the protected status of "Typical Zone" (Zona Típica) to preserve the unique architectural environment.
• 1981 — Foundation of the University of La Serena, securing the city's reputation as the leading educational and cultural centre of the country's north.
• 1994 — Opening of the "Jardín del Corazón" park (Japanese Garden), the largest in South America, symbolising the friendship between cultures.
• 2010 — The region is established as a global capital of astro-tourism, attracting travellers to unique observatories and the clear skies of the Elqui Valley.

Key Development Milestones and Their Significance

The history of La Serena is a journey from a colonial outpost to a modern tourism and educational hub. Each of these events played a decisive role in shaping the unique character of the city.

• The 19th Century Silver Boom (from 1825). The discovery of the silver deposit in Arqueros was a turning point for the city's economy. This financial influx allowed La Serena to transform from a modest settlement into a wealthy urban centre, financing the construction of mansions, schools, and hospitals, many of which have survived to this day.
• Railway Integration (1862). The launch of one of the first railways in South America, connecting La Serena to the port of Coquimbo, radically changed the region's logistics. This event cemented the city's status as an important trade hub, simplifying the export of minerals and agricultural products.
• Implementation of "Plan Serena" (1948–1952). The most significant urban planning project in the city's history, initiated by President Gabriel González Videla. The massive reconstruction established a unified Neocolonial architectural style and created numerous parks and public buildings. It is thanks to this plan that the city acquired its recognisable aesthetic appearance, which attracts tourists today.
• Establishment of a University Centre (1981). The founding of the University of La Serena on the basis of old campuses secured the city's status as the intellectual capital of northern Chile. The influx of students revitalised cultural life and contributed to the development of the service and arts sectors.
• Development of the Coastal Zone (1980s–1990s). Active construction along the Avenida del Mar avenue turned deserted beaches into a developed resort zone with hotels and restaurants. This reoriented the city's economy towards tourism, making La Serena one of the most popular summer destinations in the country.
• Astronomical Recognition (21st Century). The development of international observatory infrastructure in the Coquimbo region (such as La Silla and Tololo) gave the city a new vector of development. La Serena became the logistical and cultural base for global astro-tourism, attracting scientists and stargazing enthusiasts from all over the planet.

Architectural Identity: From Colonial Stone to "Plan Serena"

La Serena is a unique example of urban planning in Chile. Unlike many other cities where historical eras chaotically replace one another, here reigns a surprising stylistic harmony. The appearance of the city is defined by two main factors: the use of local limestone (piedra conchuela) in the early period and the massive architectural reform of the mid-20th century, known as "Plan Serena".

Urban development can be divided into key stages, each of which left its mark on the structure of streets and building facades:

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

• Colonial Period (16th–18th Centuries) — Colonial Style

  The foundation of the historic centre. The city was built according to the classic Spanish "chessboard" scheme (damero). The main feature of this period is the use of shell limestone — a porous stone quarried on the coast. Buildings are characterised by massive walls, small windows, and austere forms.

  Iconic Landmarks: Iglesia de San Francisco (one of the oldest stone temples in Chile) and Iglesia de Santo Domingo.

• Era of the Silver Boom (19th Century) — Classicism and Eclecticism

  The wealth that came with silver mining brought sophistication to the architecture. Wealthy families built two-storey mansions with internal courtyards (patios), using imported Oregon pine and adobe. Elements of Classicism appeared on facades: symmetry, columns, and decorative cornices.

  Iconic Landmarks: Casa Carmona and Casa Chadwick (fine examples of residential architecture of that era).

• "Plan Serena" (1948–1952) — Neocolonial Style

  The most important stage, which formed the modern face of the city. President Gabriel González Videla initiated the rebuilding of the city in a unified style, reviving Spanish traditions (Spanish Colonial Revival). Strict rules were introduced: white facades, stone portals, wrought-iron grilles, and tiled roofs. This turned La Serena into an architectural ensemble reminiscent of old Europe.

  Iconic Landmarks: The Courts of Justice building (Tribunales de Justicia), the Intendencia building, and, of course, the La Serena Lighthouse (Faro Monumental).

• Modernity (from the 1980s) — Resort Modernism

  The development of tourism shifted the focus to the coast. Along Avenida del Mar, modern high-rise complexes and hotels sprang up. Functionalism and the use of concrete and glass prevail here, however, in the historic centre (Zona Típica), strict restrictions remain in force to preserve the Neocolonial appearance.

Symbols of the City

The architectural portrait of La Serena would be incomplete without mentioning the buildings that have become the calling cards of the region:

• Monumental Lighthouse (Faro Monumental): Built as part of "Plan Serena", this structure does not perform navigational functions but is the main symbol of the city. Its architecture is eclectic, combining elements of a medieval fortress and Neocolonial style.
• La Recova Market (Mercado La Recova): A striking example of civic architecture from the mid-20th century. The building, with arched galleries and two internal courtyards, serves as a centre for crafts and gastronomy.
• The Cathedral: Built in the 19th century on the site of destroyed temples, it combines classical forms with the use of local stone, linking together different eras of the city's development.

People Who Shaped the City's Image

The history of La Serena is inextricably linked with the names of those who built, glorified, and transformed this city. From conquistadors to Nobel laureates, these individuals left an indelible mark on the culture, architecture, and spirit of the region.

Founders and Historical Figures

• Juan Bohón (16th Century) — Spanish Captain and Primary Founder.
  The man who laid the first stone in the city's history. In 1544, under the orders of Pedro de Valdivia, he chose a strategic location in the Elqui River valley to found the settlement of Villanueva de la Serena, which was intended to become a link between Santiago and Lima.
• Francisco de Aguirre (1500–1581) — Conquistador and Administrator.
  Considered the "second founder" and saviour of the city. After the first settlement was destroyed, Aguirre rebuilt the city on its current site in 1549, ensuring the safety of residents and establishing the classic street layout that has survived to this day.

Culture, Science, and Politics

• Gabriela Mistral (1889–1957) — Poet, Educator, and Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature.
  Although born in neighbouring Vicuña, La Serena played a key role in her destiny. Here, in the Las Compañías district, she lived and began her teaching career. The city honours her memory: it is home to the Gabriela Mistral House Museum and marks the start of the famous tourist route dedicated to her life.
• Gabriel González Videla (1898–1980) — President of Chile (1946–1952).
  A native of La Serena who gave the city its modern face. As president, he initiated the massive urban planning project "Plan Serena". Thanks to his vision, the city acquired its unique Neocolonial style, numerous parks, and the famous Monumental Lighthouse.
• Ignacio Domeyko (1802–1889) — Geologist, Mineralogist, and Educator.
  An outstanding scientist of Polish origin, invited by the government of Chile. He lived in La Serena, where he taught chemistry and mineralogy, revolutionising mining in the region. His legacy lives on in the University of La Serena, which grew out of the school he founded.
• Francisco Cornely (1892–1959) — Archaeologist and Guardian of History.
  A researcher of German origin who dedicated his life to studying the indigenous peoples of northern Chile, especially the Diaguita culture. It was thanks to his enthusiasm and discoveries that the Archaeological Museum of La Serena was created, which is today one of the main cultural attractions.