Flower Clock (Viña del Mar)
Valparaíso
The Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores) is a renowned floral clock located at the foot of Cerro Castillo, facing the Caleta Abarca beach in Viña del Mar, Chile. Its original mechanism was built by the Swiss company Favag in Neuchâtel and was acquired by the municipality in 1962 to beautify the city as it hosted matches during the 1962 FIFA World Cup. The clock features a garden design with flowers arranged around its face, making it a unique blend of horticulture and engineering. After suffering vandalism damage, its mechanism was replaced in 2013 with a GPS-controlled system manufactured by Relojes Olvera in Mexico, incorporating digital chimes and melodies that change seasonally and on important dates. In 2017, the clock was severely damaged by a fallen tree caused by a landslide during a storm but was promptly reconstructed, with wooden hands imported from Mexico. The Flower Clock remains a symbol of Viña del Mar's identity, combining artistry, technology, and resilience, and is a popular attraction for visitors exploring the city's coastal charm.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Flower Clock is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant floral arrangements. Visitors should consider checking for any ongoing maintenance or restoration work, especially after adverse weather events. While entry is free, tourists may benefit from guided tours of Viña del Mar that include the clock and surrounding attractions. No advance tickets are necessary, but visiting during weekdays can help avoid larger crowds.
Interesting facts
- •The clock's original mechanism was manufactured by Favag in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
- •In 2013, its mechanism was upgraded to a GPS-controlled system made by Relojes Olvera III Generación from Zacatlán, Puebla, Mexico.
- •The digital chimes and melodies of the clock change according to the season and special commemorative days.
- •In 2017, a landslide caused by a storm led to a tree falling on the clock, destroying it, but it was fully rebuilt within weeks.
- •The clock is located at the foot of Cerro Castillo, opposite Caleta Abarca beach, a popular area in Viña del Mar.
History
The Flower Clock was installed in 1962 as part of Viña del Mar's beautification efforts coinciding with the city hosting matches for the 1962 FIFA World Cup.
Its original Swiss-made mechanism was later replaced in 2013 with a modern GPS-controlled system to enhance accuracy and durability.
In May 2017, a landslide caused by heavy rain and wind led to a tree falling on the clock, destroying it.
The municipality quickly undertook reconstruction efforts, including importing new wooden hands from Mexico, and the clock resumed operation by June 2017.
Place Guide
Floral Face of the Clock
The clock's face is decorated with seasonal flowers arranged in intricate patterns that change throughout the year, creating a colorful and living artwork.
Mechanical Movement1962 (original), 2013 (replacement)
Originally equipped with a Swiss-made Favag mechanism, the clock's movement was replaced in 2013 with a GPS-controlled system to improve precision and reduce vulnerability to damage.
Location at Cerro Castillo
Situated at the foot of Cerro Castillo hill, the clock offers visitors a scenic backdrop and proximity to Caleta Abarca beach, enhancing its appeal as a tourist attraction.
Contact
Phone: (32) 218 4402