Valparaiso: geography, history and identity of a town that belongs to the patrimony of humankind

Valparaiso was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003, thanks to its historical importance, natural beauty (large number of hills surrounding a picturesque harbor), and unique architecture (particularly, a mix of 19th century styles of housing). In essence, this paper focuses on a detailed and documented exposition of the process begun in 1998 that allowed the seaport city of Valparaiso to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage in 2003. The importance of this process lies on its positive impact amongst citizens and the rise of an increasing awareness regarding the preservation and conservation of their cultural endowment, both tangible and intangible. The process has positively effected change in political, social, legal, cultural, economic, and tourism-centered areas involved in the preservation of the city's heritage, its potential and development.