n 1520, the Portuguese navigator Hernando de Magallanes discovered the strait, which bears his name, and over the years it became the principal sailing route between Europe and the Pacific Ocean coast. In 1843, the Chilean government mounted an expedition to settle the area, thus establishing Bulnes Fort on the shores of the Strait. In 1848, Governor Jose Santos Mardones moved the facilities and population in order to found the city of Punta Arenas at its present location. Punta Arenas is now the capital city of the Magallanes Region XII and Antartica Chilena, and its development is based on the importation and raising of sheep. The expansion of this industry, along with the trade and financial activity generated by the passage of the large numbers of ships which used to pass through the Magellan Strait, gradually built up the population, and this growth was consolidated in the early years of this century. At the same time, all this caused a catastrophic decline in the indigenous population, namely the Onas and Yaganes, two peoples which are now extinct. The city is now the hub of enormous cultural, trading, and tourist activity, though its economy is principally based on livestock, mining, and fishing.
At the center of Punta Arenas is Muņoz Gamero Square, dominated by the beautiful statue erected in tribute to the discoverer of the strait and surrounded by ancient trees of various species. In the surrounding streets can be seen the Cathedral and mansions built at the beginning of the century by the big stockbreeders of the area, among the most important of which is the Sara Braun Palace, built in 1895 with an interior entirely imported from Europe. It now houses the Club de la Union and the excellent Hotel Jose Nogueira.
Also well worth a visit are the Magallanes Regional Museum, located near the square in the BraunMenendez Palace, which still holds all the furnishings and tapestries imported from Europe at the beginning of the century; the Museo Regional Salesiano, with a complete display on the aborigines of the region; the Instituto de Patagonia, with its Museum of Remembrance; the Cemetery, with its splendid tombs of the pioneer families; and the DutyFree Zone for those interested in shopping. Another pretty trip is that to the Cerro La Cruz viewpoint, with an extraordinary view of the city and the Magellan Strait. In winter, the Club Andino and its ski slopes can be visited.
North from Punta Arenas, 254 kilometers away by Highway 9, is Puerto Natales, a picturesque city on the banks of Seno Ultima Esperanza, located in the midst of beautiful scenery. It has a good tourist infrastructure and is the base for excursions and trips to the principal attractions of the area: the Cave of Milodon and the Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its natural beauties, its fauna and flora, and designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. There are hotels and campsites here. Along the shore of the strait southwards from Punta Arenas is the original Bulnes Fort, now a well preserved museum commemorating the pioneers who settled the area. Nearby, on a pretty bay, are to be found the ruins of the Spanish King Philip Fort, built in 1584, at a place now known as Famine Port because of the tragic end met by its inhabitants. From Punta Arenas, interesting tours can also be taken to Tierra del Fuego, Puerto Williams and the Antarctic. The city also has services, hotels, restaurants, and places of amusement of the highest quality.
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