Sotomayor Square

The central square of the city is called Plaza Sotomayor. It has long been the main landmark in the city. There are two main attractions of the city - the Chilean Navy building and the monument to Arthur Pratt and other heroes of the Pacific War.

In the center of the square is the marble pedestal Monumento a los Heroes de Iquique and, in fact, the mausoleum of Arthur Pratt and other heroes who died in Iquiquiqui Bay in 1879. The white pedestal is decorated with four sculptures on the edges and the main one on the central pedestal.

Another attraction of the square, which involuntarily pay attention, is the building of the Chilean Navy. Chileans themselves are very proud of their navy and army, so the building fully reflects the idea of national pride and state power.

Designed by Ernest Urquiet in 1906, it was to surpass the government buildings in central Paris that were the basis of the project. The left wing of the building was once used as the presidential summer residence. Now the majestic building of the naval department confirms the fact that Valparaiso is still the main base of the Chilean fleet.