Concepción is a Chilean city located in the Biobío region, south of Santiago.
It was founded in the year 1550 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, who named it "Concepción de la Nueva Extremadura".
The city was destroyed on several occasions by earthquakes and tsunamis, the most devastating being the 1939 earthquake which destroyed much of the city and left thousands dead.
In the 19th century, Concepción became an important industrial center thanks to the arrival of the railway and the development of the coal and wood industry. During the 20th century, the city consolidated itself as one of the main economic and cultural centers of the country.
Among the attractions of Concepción are the Plaza de la Independencia, the Cathedral of the Santísima Concepción, Cerro Caracol, the Natural History Museum of Concepción, Ecuador Park, the University of Concepción and the University District.
See more about the location of Concepción
See also information on Valdivia.
