During Valparaíso's golden age(1848-1914),
the city received large numbers of immigrants, primarily from Europe.
During the second half of the 20th century, Valparaíso experienced a great decline,
as wealthy families de-gentrified the historic quarter, moving to bustling Santiago or nearby Viña del Mar. By the early 1990s, much of the city's unique heritage had been lost and many Chileans had given up on the city.