Valdivia: History

Pre-20th-Century History

Spanish conquistadors pushed their way south from present-day Santiago, motivated by stories of precious metals and the possibility of a large, docile indigenous work force. However, the Mapuche waged a fierce defense against the European invaders, and the Spanish were not able to settle south of the Biobío River until the mid- to late 19th century.

Valdivia was founded by the Governor of Chile, Pedro de Valdivia, in 1552, as the southernmost colonial city in the Americas. In 1599, it was trashed by the Mapuche following years of battles. The city was gradually refounded in the 17th century, placed under the administration of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and the river entrance was heavily fortified to guard against attacks.

In the 19th century, the Chilean government recruited German immigrants to settle Valdivia and the Lakes District in an effort to kickstart the economy. They were to leave an indelible mark on the region's architecture, food, brewing, manufacturing and dairy farming.

Modern History

With the arrival of the railroad, Valdivia's industries boomed in the 20th century. It also became popular with Chilean tourists exploring the Lakes District. The Pedro de Valdivia Bridge, linking the city center with Isla Teja, was built in 1939.

A devastating earthquake rocked Chile in 1960, with Valdivia only 10km (6mi) from its epicenter. The city suffered severe housing damage, flooding and landslides, and many people fled even before evacuation plans could be put in motion. The city struggled to fully recover in the years following the earthquake and was subsequently incorporated into the Los Lago Region, with Puerto Montt the capital.

Recent History

Today, millions of national and international tourists, plus wealthy Santiago refugees looking for country homes, are doing more than anybody to tame and colonize the once wild lands of the Lakes District. Real estate prices are skyrocketing and the several hundred thousand remaining Mapuche are being pushed further and further into the countryside.

Tourism, forestry and salmon farming are now driving the future of Valdivia. Rated by many to be one of Chile's most beautiful cities, and with a large university providing a cosmopolitan air, Valdivia has re-established its pre-earthquake economic days.

Back to top ^