Clock Tower, Tarapaca Region Travel Guide

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Discover Iquique's iconic Clock Tower: a blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture in the heart of Arturo Prat Square. A historic landmark since 1878.

The Clock Tower of Iquique, a National Historic Landmark, stands proudly in Arturo Prat Square. Built in 1878 when Iquique was still part of Peru, this iconic structure showcases a unique blend of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles, a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Clock Tower

Baquedano, Iquique, Tarapacá, CL

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during sunset for stunning photo opportunities as the golden light enhances the tower's architectural details.
Explore the surrounding Plaza Arturo Prat to appreciate other historical buildings from the saltpeter era.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere with local cafes, shops, and street vendors offering traditional Chilean dishes.
Take a leisurely stroll through Baquedano Street, located near the Clock Tower, to experience the city's historical charm.

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Explore Clock Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Clock Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Iquique city center, head southeast on Avenida Arturo Prat toward Plaza Prat. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with Calle Baquedano. Turn left onto Calle Baquedano, and you will see the Clock Tower ahead, prominently located in the square.
Public Transport

Iquique has a comprehensive public transportation system. Several bus lines operate in the city, and you can use the Moovit app to navigate to the Clock Tower. A one-way ticket on local transport costs approximately CLP $650.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Iquique. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Clock Tower will typically cost around CLP $2,088.29 per mile, with a minimum fare of CLP $1218.17. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip.

Discover more about Clock Tower

The Iquique Clock Tower, or Torre del Reloj, is more than just a timepiece; it's a symbol of Iquique's vibrant past and architectural elegance. Erected in 1878, while Iquique was under Peruvian administration, the tower was commissioned to replace the old church clock that was destroyed in a fire. The design, attributed to Eduardo de Lapeyrouse, a French engineer who later became Iquique's first mayor under Chilean rule, showcases an eclectic mix of Gothic and Islamic architectural elements, including pointed, aggregated, and lobed arches reminiscent of the Mudéjar style.Constructed from Oregon pine, a material rare to the desert region, the tower is a three-tiered structure with a square base featuring ogival arches on each side. The clock itself, a four-faced mechanism that chimes every quarter hour and strikes the hour, was imported from England. The tower has witnessed Iquique's transformation, surviving a major fire in 1880 that devastated much of the city center and even being relocated within the Plaza before finding its permanent place.Today, the Clock Tower remains a focal point of Plaza Arturo Prat, surrounded by other significant buildings from the saltpeter boom era, including the Municipal Theater and the Spanish Casino. The tower not only offers a picturesque backdrop but also serves as a hub for experiencing the city's vibrant spirit, with cafes, shops, and local vendors adding to the lively atmosphere.