El Carillon, La Serena Travel Guide

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.