Palaces in Viña del Mar
Palacio Valle ( Valley Palace )
It is situated at the end of Paseo Valle 396 and accessed via a long stairway. This Venetian style palace was built in 1916 by the architects Barison and Shiavon. Sir Juan Valle had it built and then sold it in 1923 to Don Patricio Achurra Plaza, who in turn sold it to Don Emilio Domínguez Rielo in 1935. In 1964, the North American Institute of Culture purchased it and in 1985 it was passed onto the Catholic University of Valparaíso, which installed the Institute of History, administered by the University’s Faculty of Philosophy and Education.
Viña del Mar City Council awarded it the status of a Historical and Architectural Building on Tuesday 9th May in 2000.
Palacio Rioja ( Rioja Palace )
Located in calle Quillota 214. In 1906 Don Fernando Rioja, a wealthy Spanish banker from Valparaíso, purchased 40 000 square metres of land and employed the architect Alfredo Azancot to build his residence. The striking characteristics of this palace are the huge dimensions, appreciated in the grand dining room and the Imperial ballroom.
Other remarkable features to be seen are; the Music Conservatory with its two interior balconies, the Boulle room, the Pink room, the Sky-blue room and the library. Don Fernando Rioja died in1922. His family lived in the mansion until the death of his widow Doña Sara Ruiz in1950.
Viña del Mar City Council, aware of the cultural and aesthetic value of the Palace, purchased it in 1956 along with its furnishings and one hectare of its park. It acted as the City Hall Headquarters up until1979.
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The mansion is presently used as a Reception Centre and a Period Museum, reflecting early 20th century influences in architecture and furniture in Chile as well as the lifestyle of wealthy businessmen at that time.
The museum offers a display of finely finished furniture shipped over from Spain and France, belonging to Barroque, Imperial, Rococo and Chesterfield styles.
On 14th May 1985 it was declared a Historical Monument and on Tuesday 9th May 2000 the City Council awarded it the status of a Building of Architectural and Historic Interest.
Palacio Vergara ( Vergara Palace )
Situated in calle Errázuriz 563-596 in the Quinta Vergara park. It was built for Doña Blanca Vergara de Errázuriz , daughter of Viña del Mar´s founder Don José Francisco Vergara. Building started in1906 and was completed in1910, under the supervision of architect Ettore Petri. It could be described as predominantly Venetian in style, the exception being that instead of using marble, stone and bronze, characteristic of the distant Italian city, lightweight materials were used for this construction .
Inside the museum you will find a room dedicated to the founding family. It displays a portrait of Sra. Dolores Álvarez, painted by French artist Raimundo de Monvoisin.
The City Council of Viña del Mar awarded it the status of a Building of Architectural and Historic Interest on 9th May in 2000.
Palacio Carrasco ( Carrasco Palace )
Situated in Avenida Libertad 250. In 1903 the wealthy Nitrate field owner Don Emilio Carrasco, bought the entire block and in1912 employed the French architect Alfredo Azancot, a resident of Valparaíso, to design his residence.
This French, Neoclassical style palace, has 4 floors complete with garrets and an entrance balcony. In 1930 it was bought to act as City Council Headquarters and did so until 1971. It presently houses the Cultural Centre, the Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna Library and the Historic Archives for Viña del Mar.
The Ministry of Education declared it a National Monument on 8th August 1986. The City Council also awarded it recognition as a Building of Historic and Architectural interest on Tuesday 9th May 2000.
Opening hours are: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 13:00 and Saturday 10:00 to13:00.
Palacio Presidencial ( Presidential Palace )
Located in calle Callao 398, on top of Cerro Castillo. It was built by the architects Luis Browne and Manuel Valenzuela in1929 and inaugurated at the beginning of1930 by "General Ibáñez". The construction lasted a little over one and a half years.
It is a Modern Colonial style design and is administrated by the President of the Republic..
The City Council of Viña del Mar awarded it recognition as a Building of Architectural and Historic Interest on Tuesday 9th May in 2000.
It is opened to the public once a year, on the last Sunday in May.
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