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Please expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Spanish Wikipedia. (December 2009) After translating, {{Translated|es|Rancagua}} must be added to the talk page to ensure copyright compliance.Translation instructions · Translate via Google |
| Rancagua, Chile | |
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  Rancagua, Chile
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| Coordinates: 34°10′0″S 70°45′0″W / 34.166667°S 70.75°W | |
| Region | O'Higgins Region |
| Province | Cachapoal Province |
| Foundation | October 5, 1743 |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Carlos Arellano |
| Area | |
| - Total | 260.3 km2 (100.5 sq mi) |
| Population (2002) | |
| - Total | 214,344 |
| - Density | 824.4/km2 (2,135.2/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Chile Time (CLT)[1] (UTC-4) |
| - Summer (DST) | Chile Summer Time (CLST)[2] (UTC-3) |
| Website | rancagua.cl |
Rancagua is a city in central Chile, located 87 km south of Santiago. It is the capital of the Cachapoal Province and of the O'Higgins Region. It has a population of 206,971 (2002 census). The main economic activities range from mining activity, tourism, agriculture, wood industry, food production and services to minor industrial activities. The city also serves as the administrative and legal center of the region.
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History
Rancagua was founded by José Antonio Manso de Velasco, who founded several cities in the central area of Chile. The city's original name was Villa Santa Cruz de Triana.
The city is famous in Chilean history as the scene of the Disaster of Rancagua of 1814, when Chilean forces fighting for independence from Spain were defeated, marking the beginning of the period known as the Reconquista (an attempt by Spain to regain control of Chile).
Today
In recent years the city has become one of the most attractive cultural and tourist centers in the O'Higgins Region mainly due to the vineyards in the area. There are also some archeological sites, sport centers and easy access to smaller and more typical villages and towns.
The city connects with Santiago via the Panamerican Highway (Ruta 5 Sur). The Metrotren connects the metro service in Santiago to Rancagua by train.
Rancagua is home of the University of Rancagua, the first private university to be established in the O'Higgins Region.
Rancagua is also known for the "Largest Underground Copper Mine in the World" called El Teniente, located about 40 km to the east of the city in the Andes mountain range. El Teniente is a division of the state-owned mining enterprise, Codelco.
The city's Braden Copper Stadium was one of the four venues of the 1962 football (soccer) World Cup. Nowadays, it houses the O'Higgins professional soccer club, one of the leading teams in Chilean professional soccer. In this city every year takes place the National Championship of Chilean rodeo in the Medialuna Monumental de Rancagua.
Born in Rancagua
Mariano Diaz Bravo, photographer, graphic designer, and writer
Gallery of photos
 Independencia Street, Rancagua |
 O'Higgins Region Intendancy |
 Bernardo O'Higgins Monument. |
 The Battle of Rancagua during the Chilean War of Independence, by Pedro Subercaseaux. |
See also
References
- ^ "Chile Time". World Time Zones .org. http://www.world-time-zones.org/zones/chile-time.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
- ^ "Chile Summer Time". World Time Zones .org. http://www.world-time-zones.org/zones/chile-summer-time.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
External links
- Official City Website (in Spanish)
- University of Rancagua Official Website (in Spanish)
- Official Newspaper`s City Website (in Spanish)
- Non-Official Website of Rancagua`s Soccer Team (in Spanish)
Coordinates: 34°10′S 70°45′W / 34.167°S 70.75°W
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