As the climb gets tougher with every step, Pablo Neruda’s dream is evident in the sight. What Neruda had once portrayed as the patched bow of a small courageous ship is evident in the panoramic view of the harbour. La Sebastiana was defined as the building that floated in the clouds and would watch over the city. Even though grounded to the roots, the house, now turned into a museum, is still true to its value and promises.
Not many know that the framework for the masterful piece of the craft was laid down by Sebastián Collado. The genius at work was remarkable in a place that could have an entire floor like a bird’s cage with the equivalent bird’s view. However, the demise of the man left a big void in existence. It was only in 1959 that the helm found Neruda at its charge. The marvellous writer and poet redefined and pictured the city from a different view altogether with his poetic marvel. The man had the highest regard for the first owner and that reflects in the name La Sebastiana itself.
The streets of Valparaíso house a cultural richness and the flavour of life that showcases every ounce of the scenic beauty portrayed by Neruda. The museum and the gallery still remain the floating fortress, albeit rooted firmly for the human touch. The 360-degree sight of the city and the lookout of the harbour still meet Neruda’s description word to word. What comes out through the scenic beauty of the lively neighbourhood is a city that is eager to accept everyone. The acceptance is even a bit more with the emotions attached for the locals with their culturally flooded land.
By Bus: Take bus 612 from Camino Cintura Ing Hyatt / Poniente to La Sebastiana. The bus operates every 15 minutes and covers a distance of 4.4 kilometres in 10 minutes. The bus fare costs between CLP $420 to CLP $500
By taxi: A taxi or an Uber takes about 5 minutes to cover 3 kilometres and costs between CLP $1,500 to CLP $2,000
January and February:
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
March to December:
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
15 minutes to enter the premises
Entrance Fee
Adult: CLP $7000
Child: CLP $2500
Time you can spend
1 to 2 hours
Weather
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