It does not matter for what purpose curious tourists go on a trip to the cities of Chile. Visiting natural national parks, exploring colonial architecture or historical monuments of a later period, the time of foreign investment. Everyone will find something for themselves, something that will always stay at the heart and become a warm memory of this amazing country.

The city of Iquique is as diverse as the entire republic. It is surrounded by the Las Vicuñas National Reserve and kilometers of well-equipped white beaches. And in the historical centre of the city is the Georgian Palace of Astorek of the early 20th century. There are also significant objects that amaze with their small history, which is not written on hundreds of pages of tourist guides.

The National Historic Monument, the Clock Tower, is located on Arturo Prat square. It was built in 1878 by the French engineer Eduardo de Lapeyrouse, who later became the mayor of Iquique. His project was approved by the mayor Benigno Posada and the city council. The old city clock was on the church, which had completely burned down in a fire in 1873. The new square-shaped tower clock arrived in Iquique from England on the Ibis ship. Its big bell rang every hour, and a little bell rang every quarter of an hour. The clock had served the city for only three months until the fire of 1880. On that day, the fire destroyed almost the entire city. Fortunately, the clock tower has miraculously survived.

25 meters high, it was made of Oregon pine. The building has three square tiers, and each side of the base has a high pointed arch. The eclectic style of the tower perfectly combines Gothic and Islamic architecture as well as elements of the rare Mudejar style. This style was widespread only among Muslims who remained in Iberia during the Christianization.