Fort Nativity, Spanish colonial fort in Nacimiento, Chile

The Fuerte Histórico de Nacimiento stands on the north bank of the Bío Bío River, just south of its confluence with the Vergara, on the site of a former Mapuche stronghold. Most of its present structure dates from the mid-eighteenth century, and its walls are of adobe rather than stone. The compound is enclosed by a bastion and an esplanade, restored after the 2010 earthquake.

The fort was established in 1603 to protect Spanish colonial territories from attacks. It relocated several times before being permanently rebuilt at its current location in 1752.

The name recalls its foundation on Christmas Eve 1603 as Fuerte del Nacimiento de Nuestro Señor, later shortened. The site was a Mapuche stronghold before the Spanish built there, and the toqui Lientur attacked it in 1628. Today the fort hosts cultural and artistic events, part of efforts to bring it back into townspeople's daily life.

You can reach the fort via Route 156 heading southeast from Concepcion, where signage guides you to the site. The fort sits at the end of main city streets and is accessible on foot once you arrive.

The fort's original name, "Fuerte del Nacimiento de Nuestro Señor", referred to the Nativity of Christ because Alonso de Ribera founded it on Christmas Eve 1603. The shorter name "Fuerte de Nacimiento" later replaced it in common use.