This impressive Georgian-style mansion was designed and built of Oregon pine by Manuel Ritornano for the Astoreca family. They never lived here, though, as they moved to Valparaíso after patriarch Juan Higinio Astoreca’s death. Now the Palacio is a museum exhibiting furniture of different periods (neo-French Renaissance, faux Louis XIV-XVI, neo-Classical and Arte Nouveau), much of it made of mahogany. An incredible three-panel, stained glass skylight crowns the front hall. On the second floor are temporary art exhibits, plus two rooms of a permanent collection of seashells.

Location:
O´Higgins 350, and Baquedano
Iquique, Chile

Museum Types:
Historical museum

Travel Tips: The museum is said to be a bit spooky at night. Guards claim they hear and see things. Perhaps it is the ghost of don Juan Astoreca?

Price Description: Free.

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Monday-Friday 10 a.m., 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.

Open Hours to:Monday-Friday 1 p.m., 7 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m.

Days Closed:Sunday

Travel Skills: None

Swim, sunbathe or surf at Cavancha and the other beaches in Iquique. Stroll down Paseo Bolognesi, visiting the historic houses and museums. Head out to the arid pampas to visit the old nitrate mining oficinas, Humberstone and Santa Laura, or check out Gigante de Atacama and the other geoglyphs decorating the desert hills. Visit historic Pisagua. Soak in the hot springs at Pica or Mamiña.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

Contact Information:
Phone: 42-5600

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 29 Jun 2009

Updated: 29 Jun 2009

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