Overview:

Pomaire is a charming village located in the province of Santiago and part of the Maipo Valley wine route. This traditional village, founded by Spanish colonizers in 1790, is nestled amongst vineyards and rolling hills. Today, it is primarily known for its local pottery, with artisans known for creating traditional earthenware clay kitchenware items. The village of Pomaire has many zocalos (town squares), restaurants, fruit markets, antique stores, and tourist information centers, along with a range of tourist-oriented activities, such as horseback riding, walking trails, and winery tours. There are plenty of old buildings, churches, and chapels to explore, with more modern facilities also available. There are also fresh produce farms that offer a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables directly from the farmers. The village is also host to numerous events throughout the year, such as the National Day of Handmade Pottery in February. The village has plenty of accommodation and places to eat, providing refreshment and rest after exploring the sights and sounds of Pomaire. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

1. Charred Adobe Houses: Pomaire, located some 45 km west of Santiago, is a town of adobe houses. The charred, beehive-shaped roofs are believed to protect inhabitants from evil spirits and are said to bring good luck. 2. Pottery Industry: Pomaire is known as the pottery capital of Chile. The town is famous for its distinctive pottery, which is made from clay dug from the local hills. Potter's workshops are a central part of town life. 3. Public Art: The central plaza in Pomaire is adorned with public art. The two most iconic boulder sculptures are 'The Cleft Rock' and 'The Sculpture of the Man with the Donkey'. Other sculptures include 'The Black Rabbit' and the 'Sculpture of the Woman with the Wheelbarrow'. 4. Chinchorro Cuisine: The traditional Chinchorro cuisine of Pomaire is a mix of different dishes, and includes items like stewed pork and beef with potatoes, salads and casseroles. Many restaurants offer specialties of the area, such as sopaipillas, empanadas, and ponche de vino, a sweet wine with honey. 5. Wine and Vodkas: Pomaire is located near the Colchagua Valley Wineries, and local wine can be sampled in many restaurants around town. Visitors can also sample some of the locally produced vodkas in the many bars of the towns. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Pomaire village, located in Santiago, Chile, is a small town that was established during the early colonial period of the 1600s. It was named after the Mapuche Indian chief who inhabited the area at the time. The tranquil atmosphere of this area, surrounded by hills and vineyards, made it popular among travelers passing through. Later, during the 19th century, the village saw a period of major expansion due to the influx of immigrants from Spanish and Portuguese roots, which attracted merchants and commerce to the town. The most significant event in the town's history was the opening of the famous Cerro de Pomaire, a historical landmark reflecting the local indigenous culture of the Mapuche Indians. In the 1960s, Chile's tourism industry began to develop and the settlement of Pomaire saw some of the first influx of foreign tourists in the country, all hoping to experience the village's culture and history. Today, Pomaire is a popular tourist destination for visitors travelling throughout Chile, offering unique pottery and handicrafts to buy, plus a range of activities such as fishing, hiking, and horse-riding. The village is also known as the center of gastronomy in Chile, due to its close proximity to several wineries. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. Pomaire Village is located 2,125 feet (648 m) above sea level in central Chile and is the oldest pottery village in the country. 2. The village is best known for its craftsmanship, especially its clay pots, enormous animals and figurines, and kitchenware. 3. The clay here is extremely fine and smooth which allows it to be molded into creative shapes and decorations and is recognized for having a unique yellow coloring. 4. The Pumaire pottery tradition is believed to have been introduced by Spanish settlers who first arrived in Chile in the 16th century. 5. Pottery making is still the primary source of income for local families, with some passing on their knowledge to their children in order to keep the craft alive. 6. The pottery is still baked in the traditional wood-fired ovens. 7. Every Saturday, the Pomaire Ceramics Fair is held in the city square, where visitors can purchase pottery from around the region. 8. One of the most popular sculptures found in the village is the “jardineros”, giant ceramic gnomes, which are often used to decorate entrances to homes and gardens. 9. In 2010, the village was declared a Cultural Heritage of Chile. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.