Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Historic neighborhood · Valparaíso, Valparaíso
Cerro Concepción
Hill of Valparaíso's heritage neighborhood, with Paseo Gervasoni and Paseo Atkinson, houses of European immigrants, Protestant churches and the city's oldest ascensor.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cerro Concepción
Cerro Concepción is one of the hills that form the core of the Valparaíso World Heritage Site. In the 19th century, English and German merchants settled there and left wooden and corrugated‑metal houses with balconies, pitched roofs and windows facing the bay.
The viewpoints on the hill are called paseos. Paseo Gervasoni welcomes those arriving by Ascensor Concepción and opens out over the port. Beside it, Paseo Atkinson runs in a straight line between colorful-fronted houses, with the bay on one side and gardens on the other. Nearby are the Lutheran church of Santa Cruz and the Anglican church of San Pablo, reminders of the foreign community.
Ascensor Concepción was inaugurated in 1883 and is the oldest in the city. The lower station is on Calle Prat, opposite the Reloj Turri, and the upper station opens onto Paseo Gervasoni. The funicular undergoes periodic maintenance; when it is out of service the stairways handle the climb.
The hill blends into Cerro Alegre without a noticeable boundary. Murals, painted stairways, studios and cafés occupy the narrow streets, and the walk through the two hills is usually done together in a single outing.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours on foot, including the paseos, the churches and the streets that link to Cerro Alegre.
Best time
In the morning the streets are quieter and the light hits the seafacing façades. In the late afternoon the paseos fill with people watching the sun set over the bay.
How to get there
By Ascensor Concepción, which departs from Calle Prat near Plaza Sotomayor, if it is operating. Another option is to climb on foot via the stairways from Calle Esmeralda or arrive via Cerro Alegre, coming from Ascensor El Peral or Reina Victoria.
Tip
Wear shoes with good grip: the stone sidewalks and stairs become slippery with sea moisture. Respect the residents; many colorful houses are homes, not a set.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cerro Concepción
What is the Paseo Gervasoni?
It is the viewpoint at the arrival of the Ascensor Concepción, with views over the port and the bay. From it leaves the path that leads to Paseo Atkinson and the rest of the hill.
Is the Ascensor Concepción operating?
It's the city's oldest funicular, opened in 1883, and it undergoes maintenance closures. Check before you go; if it's closed, there are stairways near Calle Prat.
Can you visit Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre on the same outing?
Yes. The two hills are next to each other and linked by short streets. In one afternoon on foot you can see the paseos of one and the murals of the other.