Chillán

Chillán is a regional capital in the Ñuble Region of central Chile, spreading between the coastal ranges and the Andes. The city organizes itself around several central squares, from which wide avenues branch out with shops, restaurants, and low residential buildings.

Spaniards founded the settlement in the late 16th century, but a severe earthquake in 1939 destroyed most of the old building stock. After that catastrophe, a new open urban layout emerged with wider streets and earthquake-resistant construction.

The name comes from Mapudungun and roughly means

A bus terminal near the center connects the city to other regions of Chile, while a small train station offers services north and south. The downtown area can be explored on foot, and most facilities are within a few minutes' walk from the central squares.

The city lies near a thermal bath and ski area that combines sulfur springs and slopes in the Andean foothills. Locals often travel there for winter holidays or to soak in the hot springs.

Location: Chillán

Inception: 1580

Founders: Martín Ruiz de Gamboa

Elevation above the sea: 124 m

Website: https://municipalidadchillan.cl

GPS coordinates: -36.60670,-72.10330

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:16