Ancud, Administrative center in Chiloé Province, Chile
Ancud is a town occupying the northern section of Chiloé Island, surrounded by water on three sides with a rectangular layout facing the Pacific Ocean. The settlement spreads relatively flat along the coast with traditional houses arranged in a regular street grid.
The town was founded in 1768 as a Spanish fortified settlement and served as the capital of the Chiloé Archipelago until 1982. Its establishment was part of Spanish strategy to control this remote archipelago against European rivals.
The Cathedral of Ancud stands at the town center, rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake on the previous temple's site. It shapes the local landscape and serves as a gathering place for religious and community events.
Local stores operate with a midday break between 13:00 and 15:00, so it's better to shop in the morning or afternoon. Cash is the preferred payment method since not all shops accept card payments.
A naval officers' school operated here from 1839 to 1864 and left behind a tradition of maritime training. The explorer Francisco Hudson was one of the school's notable graduates.
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