Chillan
Rebuilt after the 1939 earthquake with a school Mexico paid for and Siqueiros painted.
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The earthquake of January 1939 destroyed Chillan and killed a very large number of people - the death toll is among the worst in Chilean history. Mexico responded by funding and building a school, the Escuela Mexico, and sent two painters with it: David Alfaro Siqueiros and Xavier Guerrero, who covered the library and stairwell with murals in 1941 and 1942. Siqueiros's Death to the Invader sets Mexican and Chilean history against each other, with Lautaro, Caupolican, O'Higgins and Cuauhtemoc among the figures. The city also has one of the best market halls in Chile, and Bernardo O'Higgins was born nearby.
What you actually see
- A city rebuilt after 1939 - one of Chile's worst earthquakes.
- A school built by Mexico - the Escuela Mexico, funded as aid.
- Siqueiros murals of 1941 and 1942 - Death to the Invader.
- A large covered market - among the best in the country.
When to go
Year round. A full day.
Honest expectations
The school is a working school and the murals are seen at set times with restrictions - checking ahead avoids a wasted trip. The city itself is modern and plain because of the earthquake. The market is busiest in the morning.
Nearby
The Nevados volcano complex and its hot springs are east; Quinchamali is south-west.
What to pack for Chillan
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.