Museo Histórico y de Armas del Morro de Arica, Military museum atop Morro de Arica, Chile
The Museo Histórico y de Armas del Morro de Arica is a military museum sitting on top of the Morro de Arica, a coastal cliff rising above the city of Arica in northern Chile. It houses weapons, uniforms, and photographs connected mainly to the War of the Pacific in the late 19th century.
The museum was founded after the War of the Pacific to commemorate the Battle of Arica on June 7, 1880, when Chilean forces stormed the cliff and defeated the Bolivian-Peruvian defenders. That victory gave Chile control over Arica and the surrounding northern territory.
The collection displays weapons, uniforms, and photographs that visitors can observe up close. The uniforms in particular give a clear sense of how soldiers were equipped during the conflicts that shaped this region.
The museum sits at the top of the Morro and can be reached by a short walk or by driving up the road that winds around the hill. It is open Tuesday through Sunday and entry is free.
The Morro was so steep and well defended that the Chilean assault on June 7, 1880 lasted less than one hour, despite strong resistance from the defenders. Some of the weapons used on that day are still on display inside the museum.
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