El Carillon, La Serena Travel Guide

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Discover El Carillon in La Serena: A historic landmark that once filled the city with music, now a cherished cultural icon.

El Carillon is a historic carillon in La Serena, Chile, donated in 1952 by copper and saltpeter companies. It was once the first musical instrument of its kind in Chile, delighting residents with hourly signals and melodies until the 1970s.

A brief summary to El Carillon

Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 530, La Serena, Coquimbo, CL
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Monday 10 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-8:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-8:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-8:30 pm
Friday 10 am-8:30 pm
Saturday 12 pm-9 pm
Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring El Carillon.

Visit during the day to appreciate the architecture and surrounding park.
Check local event listings, as the area around El Carillon sometimes hosts cultural activities.
Explore nearby attractions such as the Museo Histórico Gabriel González Videla to learn more about the region's history.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Faro Monumental

Plaza de Armas de La Serena

Japonés La Serena Garden

Letras La Serena

La Recova

Explore El Carillon on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near El Carillon, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

El Carillon is located at Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 530. From the city center, walk east along O'Higgins Avenue. The carillon will be on your right, approximately a 15-20 minute walk from Plaza de Armas.
Public Transport

Several bus lines run along O'Higgins Avenue. Check local bus routes and schedules to find the most convenient option from your location in La Serena. A short bus ride will drop you off near El Carillon.
Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in La Serena. A taxi ride from the city center to El Carillon typically costs between 5,271 CLP. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your trip. Uber is also available.

Discover more about El Carillon

El Carillon stands as a nostalgic landmark in La Serena, Chile. Inaugurated on October 25, 1952, it was a gift to the city from the Ex-President Gabriel González Videla, who had received it from North American copper and saltpeter companies. This donation was intended to contribute to the urban progress of the city.Constructed in 1956 as part of the Plan Serena, the carillon was the first musical instrument of its kind in Chile. It featured a clock and an electronic keyboard connected to 52 audio horns, broadcasting hourly signals and classical and folkloric music that could be heard up to 15 kilometers away. The carillon operated until the 1970s and was operated by local carillonists Teresa Slaibe and Lidia Urrutia de Canut de Bon.Located at Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 530, El Carillon remains a significant cultural symbol of La Serena. Although its original mechanical system is no longer in use, efforts have been made to restore this iconic structure.