Cañete, Historical city in Arauco Province, Chile
Cañete is a city in Arauco Province, located in the Biobío Region of southern-central Chile. It functions as a regional hub for the agricultural and forestry activities of the surrounding area.
The city was founded in 1558 by Governor García Hurtado de Mendoza and named after his father, the Marquis of Cañete. It was established as a settlement on the frontier between Spanish colonial territory and Mapuche lands.
The city maintains close ties with the Mapuche people, whose traditions and craftsmanship remain visible in daily life and local markets. You can encounter handmade goods and regional products sold by residents who follow customs passed down through generations.
The best way to explore the city is on foot through the downtown area, where you will find local shops and markets. The surrounding areas are also accessible, and visitors should be prepared for changing weather typical of southern-central Chile.
The city's museum has preserved for decades an important collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of Mapuche peoples in the region. This collection offers insights into the ways of life and craftsmanship techniques that have been practiced in the area for generations.
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