Edificio de la Ilustre Municipalidad de La Serena, Municipal building in La Serena, Chile.
The municipal building is a three-story neoclassical structure with large pillars, ornamental lanterns, and a central balcony framing its entrance on Prat Street. Inside, it houses the city administration offices and the Court of Appeals, accessible through separate entrances on Prat Street and Los Carrera Street.
A devastating fire in 1936 destroyed the previous town hall, leading architect Enrique Benavente to design this replacement structure completed in 1938. The building emerged as a reconstruction of the city's administrative center at this central location.
The facade displays the original city shield that once marked the town's entrance when walls protected it from pirates. This symbol reflects a time when the city needed to defend itself.
The building is easily accessed from Prat and Los Carrera Streets, with separate entrances serving different departments. Keep in mind this is an active government building, so regular business hours apply to visits.
Inside, a wooden staircase leads to a second floor displaying antique furniture and an artistic tile painting gifted by the city of Talavera de la Reina. This artwork creates an unexpected connection between two cities across continents.
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