Arco Británico — Attraction in Valparaíso

Wonderful!

Let us transport back to the pre-first world war of 1910, with British imperial power, influence and arrogance at its apex........

“Lord Buckingham: I say Carothers, these chilly people aren’t so bad. Let’s make them a gift. A cricket ground perhaps?

Carothers: Sir, we didn’t exactly conquer the Chileans, so they don’t play cricket. May I suggest something useful, such as a school or a hospital?

Lord Buckingham: Good lord, what are you thinking about Carothers? What they really need is a damned good statue of Queen Victoria.

Carothers: Sorry sir, she died a few years ago.

Lord Buckingham: Very well, build a Marble Arch, with a lion, that will make the natives happy.”

Chile, we love...

Donated to the town by the British in 1910 to mark the centenary of Chile's independence. The Arc was covered in marble from Italy, guarded by a British Victorian Lion and four Britons who participated in the Chilean Independence War. Visited by QE2 and Prince Charles. Now sit on Av.Brasil.

All fenced and...

If you are in the area, stop by and see. Otherwise I wouldn’t go out of my way. It’s a monument to British influence in Chile. Britain contributed to Chile’s independence from Spain. It’s close to the Valparaiso Cathedral and on the bus routes. No tickets, no wait. There is a fence around it, but the...