Clock Tower, Clock tower in Plaza Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
The Clock Tower in Plaza Arturo Prat displays four clock faces powered by two bells, a smaller one for quarter-hours and a larger one for marking each hour. The structure is made of Oregon pine with an imported English clock mechanism.
Built in 1878 during Peruvian administration, the tower survived the catastrophic fire of 1880 that destroyed much of central Iquique. Its survival made it an important landmark for the city's recovery.
The tower blends Gothic and Islamic architectural styles, featuring pointed arches and Mudéjar details that reflect the multicultural history of Iquique. These design elements give the structure a distinctive appearance that stands out in the plaza.
The tower stands in the center of Plaza Arturo Prat and is easy to locate and view from the public square. Visitors can observe and photograph it at any time since it remains open and accessible year-round.
In 1889, soldiers from the Pisagua battalion moved the entire wooden structure to its current location under Mayor Ramon Yabar's leadership. This remarkable feat demonstrates how valued the tower was to the community.
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