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Observation deck · Valparaíso, Valparaíso
Paseo 21 de Mayo
Viewpoint on Cerro Artillería overlooking the harbor, next to the Museo Marítimo Nacional, housed in the former Naval School.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Paseo 21 de Mayo
Paseo 21 de Mayo sits on the edge of Cerro Artillería, about 50 meters above sea level. With no tall buildings in front, the terrace looks directly over the container terminal, the bay and the central cerros.
In the colonial period the site held Fuerte San Antonio, built to defend the port against corsairs. On its foundations the Naval School building was erected in 1893 and operated there until 1967. The final design of the paseo dates from 1911, and the name recalls the date of the battle of Iquique.
The old school building houses the Museo Marítimo Nacional, maintained by the Armada. There are 17 rooms with more than 5,000 objects, artillery pieces, models and relics from the War of the Pacific. The Arturo Prat Room displays the original sword used by the commander in the battle of Iquique.
On the viewpoint there are artisan stalls selling watercolors, wool garments and lapis lazuli pieces, an indigo-hued stone mined in Chile.
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
Half an hour for the viewpoint; add another hour and a half if you enter the Museo Marítimo Nacional.
Best time
In the morning, when port activity is in full swing. The museum is open every day; check before you go.
How to get there
From the Puerto neighborhood, near Plaza Echaurren, by taxi or walking up Calle Artillería. Check beforehand whether Ascensor Artillería is operating.
Tip
Visit the viewpoint and the museum in the same morning and walk down the streets of Cerro Artillería to the Puerto neighborhood, passing the old Customs building.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Paseo 21 de Mayo
What's at Paseo 21 de Mayo?
A terrace with views over the port, craft stalls and the Museo Marítimo Nacional, in the former Escuela Naval building.
What to see at the Museo Marítimo Nacional?
Objects from Chilean naval history, with emphasis on the room dedicated to Arturo Prat, which preserves his sword from the Battle of Iquique.
How do you get up to Cerro Artillería?
By taxi, by micro (bus) or on foot from the Puerto neighborhood. The hill's ascensor is often out of service for long periods; check before you go.