Description of the attraction
At the beginning of the twentieth century, a boom began in the production of nitrate, used as fertilizer in agriculture and for the preparation of explosives. In the first decades of the twentieth century, the development and growth of the city of Iquique is mainly due to significant progress in the processing of saltpeter, which was exported to various countries in Europe. The large producers of saltpeter, united, built a house for their Georgian-style offices in Iquique - Astorek Palace.
Astorek Palace was built in 1904 by order of the successful merchant Don Juan Gigin Astorek as a business office. This project was brought to life by two famous architects - Alberto Cruz-Mont and Miguel Retornano. Juan Gigin Astoreca died before the construction of the house was completed and his family moved to the city of Valparaiso. In 1909, his wife, Felicia Farm, sold the Astoreca Palace to the municipality of Iquique. Since then, no offices were housed within the walls of this building until 1977. In 1994, Astorek Palace was declared a National Historic Landmark.
The building is constructed entirely of Oregon pine. The palace, with an area of about 1100 square meters, has 27 offices, decorated in different styles, including: Art Nouveau, French Neo-Renaissance, Renaissance style, etc. The main facade of the building consists of three symmetrically located zones. The central part has a facade with a round arch, reminiscent of a "Dutch" roof.
The premises of the palace have 6 large salons, 2 conference rooms, guest rooms, Small and Large halls for exhibitions and events. Astorek Palace is under the patronage of the University. Arthur Prat. The building is an important cultural and exhibition center. The premises host various exhibitions, art and cultural events. The doors of the palace are always open for seminars, round tables, courses, conferences and presentations.
Astorek Palace is an architectural gem that must be visited to admire the grandeur of a bygone era.
