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Antofagasta
Home » Chile » Chile Major Cities and Regions » AntofagastaAntofagasta is the largest city of the Norte Grande region, and is located in northern Chile on the Pacific Ocean. The city was founded by Chileans in 1870. Today it is a shipping center for minerals originated in the area. The city possesses a distinctly European feel in its atmosphere and architecture. The Barrio Històrico is residence to numerous historic Victorian buildings, and the clock tower of the Plaza Colòn is an exact replica of Big Ben.
Antofagasta is the product of the mining boom that hit the area in the 19th century, and with the mining came many foreign setters to the city. The city today is an international commercial center. It is located on the Pan-American Highway, which makes communication possible with the rest of Chile.
Visitors are drawn to the city because of its 12 miles of beachfront and the climate is mild and dry. Backed by desert hills, Antofagasta experiences great weather but has little rainfall. The area provides a year-round beach resort, and impressive scenery. Most significant is the Portada on its shoreline, a massive rock found just to the north of town, which the sea has slowly eroded into the form of a remarkable natural arch.
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