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Museo Naval de Iquique: A Glimpse into Chilean Naval History

Explore Chile's naval heritage at the Museo Naval de Iquique, home to relics from the War of the Pacific and the legendary Esmeralda Corvette.

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The Museo Naval de Iquique, housed in the historic Former Customs building dating back to 1871, showcases relics from the famed Esmeralda Corvette and other artifacts related to the Naval Battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific. It offers a compelling look into Chile's maritime past.

A brief summary to Museo Naval De Iquique

Local tips

  • Check the museum's current location and opening hours, as it is temporarily housed within the Tarapacá Military Museum due to fire damage to its original building.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Baquedano Street, a historic thoroughfare with notable architecture.
  • Consider visiting the Corbeta Esmeralda Museum, a replica of the sunken ship, for a more immersive experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza Prat, head east on Baquedano Street. The walk is about 15 minutes. The museum will be on your left at Baquedano 1396.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus that goes to Avenida Baquedano. Ask the driver to let you know when you reach Baquedano 1396. Bus fares are around 650 CLP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Iquique. A taxi from the city center to the museum should cost between 3,000 to 5,000 CLP. Uber is also an option.

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Discover more about Museo Naval De Iquique

The Museo Naval de Iquique offers a fascinating journey into Chile's naval history, particularly its role in the War of the Pacific. Inaugurated in 1983, the museum is located in the historic Former Customs building, a national monument dating back to 1871 when Iquique was still under Peruvian administration. The museum's collection largely centers around artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Esmeralda Corvette, a Chilean warship sunk during the Naval Battle of Iquique in 1879. This battle, a pivotal moment in the War of the Pacific, saw Captain Arturo Prat and his crew bravely confront a superior Peruvian force. The museum displays recovered items such as cannons, ship parts, and personal belongings of the crew, offering a tangible connection to this historic event. Due to a fire in 2015 that affected the Former Customs building, the museum is temporarily located in a room within the Tarapacá Military Museum. Despite the temporary relocation, the museum continues to display key artifacts, including a section of the Esmeralda's bridge from where Captain Prat delivered his famous speech to the crew. The museum provides insights into the daily lives of the sailors, showcasing their personal effects and the equipment they used.

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