Plaza Sotomayor Travel Guide

Plaza Sotomayor, originally known as Plaza de la Aduana (Customs Square), is Valparaíso's most important civic square, built on land reclaimed from the sea. Its history is interwoven with the city's evolution, featuring buildings from various periods. The plaza's trapezoidal shape and deliberate axis enhance the perspective towards the ocean and the main building, formerly the Intendancy Building.The square is home to the Monumento a los Héroes de Iquique, a subterranean mausoleum dedicated to the Chilean sailors who died during the Battle of Iquique and the Battle of Punta Gruesa. The palatial blue Edificio Armada de Chile dominates the plaza. Other notable buildings include the Aduana Nacional (Customs House) and Estación Puerto, the commuter train terminal.In 1855, the first bank in Chile, Banco de Depósitos y Descuentos de Valparaíso, was established here. Today, Plaza Sotomayor is an important archaeological site, with remains of the port's first fiscal dock beneath it. The plaza was designated a Zona Típica (historic district) on January 23, 1979.Visitors can explore the plaza's surroundings, including cafes, shops, and street art in nearby hills like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción. The plaza is a gathering place for locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into Valparaíso's vibrant culture.