This is Valparaíso. The map is the real city and the round is played on its real streets, where the ball banks off facades and rolls toward landmarks like the Catedral de Valparaíso. These real attractions are what the holes are built from. Skip is a local guide who knows the place, even the best spots to find a stray crumb. This full round of 18 holes covers 12.8 km with a par of 57, using 10 portals to bridge the gaps between the hills.
The Catedral de Valparaíso is a cathedral located on the east side of the Plaza de la Victoria. This building is situated in the El Almendral neighborhood and is designed in the Gothic Revival style. It is a Historical Monument of Chile and is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Valparaíso. Visitors can observe the architectural details of the Gothic Revival style as they pass through this part of the city, where the cathedral remains a central point of the neighborhood.
Let me show you the Museo Organológico. It is a private museum dedicated to musical instruments. You can also visit it as an art museum. I've noticed the acoustics in these types of buildings usually make for a very interesting walk.
Look at the structure of this building complex before taking in the whole site. It is a cultural center and a museum that is recognized as a Historical Monument of Chile. You can also find a private museum and an archaeological museum here. I've noticed the wind can be quite a handful when you're exploring the grounds, so keep a firm grip on your gear. It is a great spot to see how the city preserves its history while making room for new art and community gatherings.
Let me show you Reloj Turri. This building was started in 1924 and is designed in the Neoclassical architecture style. When you look at the facade, you can pick out the symmetry and columns typical of that era. It is a prominent landmark for anyone exploring the streets of Valparaíso, whether you are visiting for the first time or have lived here for years. I usually find the best view of the structure from the plaza, where the scale of the building is most apparent against the skyline.
Let me show you the British Arch, a triumphal arch located on Brazil Avenue. This monument was designed by the Chilean architect Alfredo Azancot and unveiled in 1911. It holds a special place in the city because the British community donated it to the town in 1910 to mark the centenary of the Independence of Chile. I've noticed the street traffic flows right around it, making it a great spot to pause and look up. It is a wonderful example of how different cultures have shaped the look of Valparaíso over the years.
Let me show you the work of architect Lucien Hénault. He designed the Iglesia de los Sagrados Corazones, a monument built in the Romanesque Revival architecture style. You can find this Catholic church at 2086 Independencia Street in the El Almendral neighborhood. It was built to serve as the church for the Sacred Hearts School of Valparaíso community and is staffed by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Because of its significance, it is a Historical Monument of Chile and was declared a National Monument of Chile in 2003. It is a sturdy spot to pause and look around.
Built in 1928, the Capilla del Carmen is a monument located on the lower flank of El Litre Hill in the El Almendral neighborhood. The Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul ran the chapel. For many years, these sisters provided care to patients at the adjacent Hospital Carlos Van Buren, a service they continued until March 2017. I've noticed the building has a certain stillness compared to the busy streets around it. You can find it standing as a Historical Monument of Chile, preserving a piece of the city's social and spiritual history.
Look at the facade first, then take in the whole structure of Teatro Mauri. This site is a theatre building located in Valparaíso. I've found that these types of buildings are great for spotting the city's unique character.
You will first notice that the Museo a Cielo Abierto de Valparaíso is not a traditional building. It is a museum that brings art directly into the urban environment, allowing you to walk among the exhibits as you explore the city. I think it's a great way to see the neighborhood.
Let me show you Plaza Aníbal Pinto, a square in Valparaíso built on reclaimed land. It is a central spot for the city and carries heritage status as a Typical Zone. While you are here, you can pick out the Fuente de Neptuno, a fountain erected in 1892. I usually find the open space a great spot to watch the city move from above. It is named after President Aníbal Pinto, though it was formerly called Plaza del Orden. It is a wonderful place to pause and take in the local atmosphere before moving on to your next destination.
Located in Valparaíso, Chile, Palacio Baburizza is a historic monument. Italian architects built the residence in 1916 for Pascual Baburizza, who was a Croatian businessman. You can pick out the Art Deco style of the building as you approach the site. While it began as a private home, it was turned into a museum in 1971 and declared a historic monument in 1976. It is officially a Historical Monument of Chile. I find the architecture quite striking against the city skyline, making it a great spot to pause and look around.
The first thing you'll notice is how the Ascensor Artillería climbs the steep slope to link the city's flat plan with the Artillería hill. This funicular is a Historical Monument of Chile and one of 16 such railways found in Valparaíso. While it is a privately owned monument, the line closed in May 2021. I've seen plenty of these lifts around town, and they are the best way to understand how the city is built. It is a distinct part of the local scenery that helps visitors grasp the vertical nature of the terrain.
You might expect a standard commemorative sculpture when arriving here, but this is the Monumento a los Héroes de Iquique. It is a monument designed by the architect Norbert Maillart. Beyond its design, this site holds a deeper significance as it is a tomb of the unknown soldier. It is a place of quiet reflection and respect within Valparaíso, where the city honors those whose identities were lost. It is important to remain mindful of the solemn nature of this location while you are visiting.
Located along the waterfront, the Museo Marítimo Nacional is a maritime museum and a Historical Monument of Chile. It is a public museum that focuses on the sea, and it also serves as a history museum. The institution had its inception in 1915. I find the area around the museum to be a great spot for watching the ships come into the harbor. You can spend a good amount of time here exploring the various exhibits that document the relationship between the city and the ocean.
You will first notice the tower of Faro Recinto Portuario Primera Zona Naval rising above the shoreline. This lighthouse is 16 meters tall and serves as a vital navigational aid for ships entering the port. Work on the structure started in 1921. It is a sturdy example of the maritime infrastructure that keeps the harbor safe for all who sail into the bay. I find the view from this part of the waterfront particularly refreshing, especially when the sea breeze kicks up and clears the air for a better look at the coast.
Let me show you Plaza Echaurren, which sits right in the heart of Valparaíso. This place is a square, making it a useful spot for those navigating the city center. I've noticed it is a handy place to pause while you are exploring the surrounding streets.
Let me show you the Catedral Anglicana de San Pablo, located in Cerro Concepción. This Anglican church is built in the Gothic Revival style and is recognized as a Historical Monument of Chile. While it has held the status of a National Monument of Chile since 1979, the building's role evolved further when it became a cathedral in 2016. It is a great spot to stop and appreciate the architecture of Valparaíso. I usually see a few other birds hanging around the eaves here.
This site is not a secular hall or a government office. It is San Luis de Gonzaga, a church building. For those visiting the city, the building is a notable example of the Romanesque Revival architecture style. This specific architectural approach informs the design and the appearance of the structure. Whether you are a student of history or simply passing through the neighborhood, the building provides a clear example of how this style was applied to religious architecture in the region.
Located within the city, Plaza Eleuterio Ramírez is a square. It provides a open space for visitors to navigate while exploring the surrounding area. I often see people resting here between their walks through the neighborhood.