- Address: Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile;
- Sightseeing: Municipality of Santiago, the building of the House of Governors of Chile, Main Post Office, the Colonnade of Fernandez Concha, the cathedral.
The Republic of Chile , located in the south-western part of South America next door to Argentina, is considered one of the most unusual, mysterious and interesting countries in the world. The capital of this state for almost 200 years is the city of Santiago - it is from here that most tourists begin their acquaintance with this amazing land. The main attraction and the "heart" of Santiago is rightfully recognized as the Armory Square of Plaza de Armas de Santiago, traditionally located in the center of the city. Let's talk about it in more detail.
Historical facts
The Armory Square originated in 1541, from this place the history of development of Santiago began. The construction of the central square of the capital was planned in such a way that in the future to place around it important administrative buildings. In the following years, the territory of the Plaza de Armas was landscaped, trees and bushes were planted, and gardens were broken.
In 1998-2000. The Armory Square became the main center of cultural and public life of the townspeople, and in the middle of the park a small stage was built for celebrations and other events. In 2014, the area was again closed for repairs: hundreds of new LED bulbs, modern CCTV cameras and free Wi-Fi, covering the entire territory of the Plaza de Armas. The official opening ceremony of the renovated Armory Square was held on December 4, 2014.
What to see?
The main square of Santiago is surrounded by the most important cultural, historical and administrative buildings of the city, so most of the sightseeing tours begin with it. So, walking through the Plaza de Armas, you can see:
- The Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago) . The main Catholic temple of Chile, located in the western part of the Armory Square, is built in neoclassical style and is the permanent residence of the Archbishop of Santiago.
- Main post office (Correos de Chile) . The central post of Santiago is considered the main one in the field of correspondence, remittances and transportation of national and international parcels. The General Post Office itself is built in the traditional neoclassic style and is a beautiful 3-storey building.
- National History Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional) . The building was built in the northern part of the Plaza de Armas in 1808, and since 1982 it has been used as a museum. The collection of Museo Histórico Nacional is mainly represented by objects of everyday life of Chileans: women's clothing, sewing machines, furniture, etc.
- Municipality of Santiago (Municipalidad) . The most important administrative building, which is also the decoration of the Armory Square. As a result of the fires of 1679 and 1891 the building was rebuilt several times. The current appearance of the municipality building was acquired only in 1895.
- Shopping center Portal Fernández Concha . An important tourist attraction of the Plaza de Armas is the building on the south side of the square designated for trade. Here you can buy traditional Chilean food and all kinds of souvenirs made by local artisans.
In addition, on the Armory Square there are monuments reflecting the most important historical events of the state:
- the equestrian statue of Pedro de Valdivia , the first Spanish governor of Chile ;
- the monument "Freedom to America!" , erected in honor of victory in the battle of Ayacucho;
- a monument dedicated to the indigenous population of Chile ;
- a capsule of the 200th anniversary , in which the objects of Chilean folk culture are kept and which should be opened in 2110, during the celebration of the country's 300th anniversary.
How to get there?
You can get to the Armory Square of Santiago by using public transport:
- on the metro along lines 3 and 5 to the station "Plaza de Armas";
- buses 504, 505, 508 and 514 to the stop "Plaza de Armas".