La Serena ("the serene one") is the second oldest city in Chile. The city, located 471 km north of Santiago, has a population of 147,815, according to the 2002 census. There are also 12,333 inhabitants of the immediately surrounding countryside. It is one of the fastest-growing areas of Chile, witnessing a population increase of 32.6% between 1992 and 2002. The snowcapped Andes above downtown Santiago Santiago (Spanish:  ) is Chiles capital and largest city. ... 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ...

It was first founded by Spaniard Captain Juan Bohón in September 4, 1544 on the orders of Pedro de Valdivia in order to provide a sea link between Santiago and Lima. In 1549 the town was totally destroyed by local Indians and re-founded the same year by Captain Francisco de Aguirre in a safer location. The town has retained its historic architecture and this, along with a selection of beaches (known as Avenida del Mar, "Sea Avenue"), has caused the city to become a significant tourist centre, attracting many foreigners (most of them argentinians from San Juan and Mendoza provinces) during January, and later Santiago residents fleeing February heat. September 4 is the 247th day of the year (248th in leap years). ... Events April 11 - Battle of Ceresole - French forces under the Comte dEnghien defeat Imperial forces under the Marques Del Vasto near Turin. ... Pedro de Valdivia Pedro de Valdivia (c. ... Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru, as well as the capital of Lima Province. ... Events July - Ketts Rebellion Francis Xavier arrives in Japan. ...

Its traditional architecture consists of a series of housing and public buildings, of late 19th-century vintage, built with wood from the US state of Oregon brought to Chile as counterweight in sailing vessels coming to Coquimbo, the nearby port, to load copper and other minerals for transport back to the US. This oregon pine, and the use of adobe create the genuine image of the city. Motto: (traditional) In God We Trust (official, 1956–present) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City Official language(s) None at the federal level; English de facto Government Federal Republic  - President George W. Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence - Declared - Recognized... Official language(s) None Capital Salem Largest city Portland Area  Ranked 9th  - Total 98,466 sq mi (255,026 km²)  - Width 260 miles (420 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 2. ... Port city, capital to Elqui Province in the Coquimbo Region, its lies close to La Serena, forming a urban area of around 300. ... It has been suggested that Mudbrick be merged into this article or section. ...

There is also a number of remarkable and valuable small churches built of sedimentary stone quarried 5 km to the north of the Elqui River, having a characteristic color and texture formed by myriads of small shells. These churches are all roughly 350 years old and have undergone restoration to varying degrees, bringing them back to their original form. San Francisco, San Agustín, Santo Domingo are the names of a few of them. The Elqui River is born in the west Andes, flowing into the Pacific Ocean, crossing the Chilean city of La Serena, a wine and pisco producing area. ...

The Cathedral, built from the same stone, dates from the 19th century. It must be said that although it lacks the same historical value as the older churches, this is a stone building in a country prone to seismic activity, and has survived various earthquakes. Indeed, during centuries of existence, there is almost no visible damage. All of these churches, along with others of minor importance, provide a unique urban landscape, an image for the city, giving it the nickname "The City of Churches."

A few of the major sectors are: El Centro ("downtown"), Peñuelas (actually a suburb between La Serena and its sister city Coquimbo), San Joaquín (neighborhood on a hill overlooking the ocean), La Florida, Las Compañías ("the companies"), Cerro Grande ("big hill"), La Antena and the new El Milagro ("the miracle") development. Port city, capital to Elqui Province in the Coquimbo Region, its lies close to La Serena, forming a urban area of around 300. ...

External links

• University of La Serena
• weather forecast
• Chilean tourist site for La Serena
• [travel agency

Coordinates: 29°54′S 71°15′W Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...