Historic Valparaiso was one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish. A thriving port for centuries, modern Valparaiso remains Chile's primary outlet to the sea. In 1906, a vicious earthquake struck the city, toppling hundreds of the city's priceless monuments. This earthquake, however, would be a portend of things to come: The truly fatal blow to Valparaiso would come 8 years later. In 1914, the first international ship crossed the Panama Canal. The golden age of Valparaiso had come to an end. After years of gloom and decay, the historic port and university town is now living something of a revival. The Chilean government has pledged both economic and structural support to the city, and private entities are implementing projects that seek to trigger an urban renaissance in Valparaiso as a world heritage city and Chile's cultural capital. Among the priorities are culture, heritage preservation, and economic development via tourism. One of the highlights of the tour will surely be Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda's Valparaiso residence, "La Sebastiana". The house is full to the brim with the eccentric geniuses keepsakes from his many trips abroad, as well as an extensive library.