Founded in 1550, Concepción is the third biggest city in Chile, and the most important city in the southern half of the country. It is situated on the River Biobio, one of the largest in Chile.

The capital of the VIII region, Biobio,  the city became a stronghold in the war against the Mapuche after 1600. 

In the centre of the city lies the Plaza de Armas, as well as Intendencia, a pleasant landscaped space with an attractive fountain, and the place where Bernardo O'Higgins declared independence on 1 January 1818.  The Plaza bustles constantly, with frequent impromptu performances by actors and street performers, and the Cathedral can also be found here.

There is a watersports centre at San Pedro, one of the lagoons on the far side of the River.