Concepcion
A city moved after one earthquake and levelled by several since, and the source of Chilean rock music.
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Concepcion was founded in 1550 at what is now Penco and moved to its present site after the earthquake and tsunami of 1751 destroyed it there - and it has been hit repeatedly since, including in 1939, 1960 and February 2010, when the magnitude 8.8 quake off this coast damaged much of the centre and the tsunami struck the coastal towns. Chilean independence was proclaimed here in 1818. The city's university, founded in 1919, made it a student town, and out of that came the rock scene of the late 1980s and 1990s - Los Tres, Los Bunkers and others - that reshaped Chilean popular music.
What you actually see
- A city moved after 1751 - destroyed at Penco by earthquake and tsunami.
- Independence proclaimed here - in 1818.
- Damage from 2010 - the magnitude 8.8 quake and its tsunami.
- A student rock scene - the bands that came out of the university town.
When to go
December to March. A full day.
Honest expectations
The centre is largely modern concrete because of the earthquakes, which disappoints visitors expecting colonial fabric. It rains a great deal. The city is industrial around the edges. Attractions are dispersed.
Nearby
Lota is south along the coast; Talcahuano and the port are adjacent.
What to pack for Concepcion
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.