Penco, Coastal commune in Concepción Province, Chile.
Penco is a coastal city in Concepción Province that stretches across an area along the Bay of Concepción, including several villages like Lirquén and Tucapel. The city combines residential neighborhoods with maritime facilities that shape its daily life.
The city was founded in February 1550 by Pedro de Valdivia and stands as one of Chile's oldest settlements. It experienced several relocations caused by earthquakes and tsunamis before settling into its current position on the Pacific coast.
The name comes from the Mapudungun language of indigenous peoples, reflecting the historical meeting between Spanish settlers and the Mapuche community. This origin still shapes how locals see their town today.
The city is best explored by visiting the residential areas and accessing the harbor zones along the bay. The various villages like Cerro Verde and El Rosal can be visited to get a fuller sense of the administrative area.
The city was relocated multiple times due to natural disasters, showing its resilience against Pacific forces. This turbulent founding history sets it apart from other early Chilean settlements.
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