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Historic square · Valparaíso, Valparaíso
Plaza Sotomayor
Valparaíso's civic center, with the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique, the crypt of Arturo Prat and the Armada building, facing Muelle Prat.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plaza Sotomayor
Plaza Sotomayor is the civic heart of Valparaíso. It is in the Puerto neighborhood, at the foot of Cerro Cordillera, and opens onto Muelle Prat and the bay. It was formerly called Plaza de la Intendencia and Plaza Prat, before receiving the name of Minister Rafael Sotomayor.
In the center stands the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique, inaugurated in 1886. It honors the sailors who died in the battles of Iquique and Punta Gruesa during the War of the Pacific, and the crypt holds the remains of Commander Arturo Prat, a national naval hero.
Around the square are the old Intendencia building, today the headquarters of the Armada command of Chile and a historic monument, the old Post Office, which houses the Ministry of Cultures, and the towers that mark the entrance to the port. Beneath the pavement are remains of the city's first quay, found in excavations.
Every May 21 the square hosts the Glorias Navales parade. On an everyday basis, it is a starting point for the ascensores and for the cerros Alegre and Concepción.
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 square and the monument; it's a natural passage between the metro, the pier and the cerros.
Best time
In the morning, with light on the Armada building. On May 21, the day of the Glorias Navales, there is a parade and the square fills up.
How to get there
Puerto station of the Metro Valparaíso is a few steps away. From the cerros Alegre and Concepción, descend via Ascensor El Peral or Concepción.
Tip
Next door, at Plaza de Justicia, the Ascensor El Peral departs. Near the square there is a tourist information point with maps of the cerros.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza Sotomayor
Who is buried in Plaza Sotomayor?
The crypt of the Monumento a los Héroes de Iquique holds the remains of Arturo Prat and sailors killed in the Battle of Iquique in 1879.
What is that large building at Plaza Sotomayor?
It is the former Intendencia building, today the headquarters of the command of the Armada of Chile and a historic monument.
Is Plaza Sotomayor near Muelle Prat?
Yes, opposite. It's a few minutes' walk to the pier, from where small boats depart around the bay.