Santiago de Chile

Architecture

The architecture in Santiago takes you on a journey through history and the cultural influences over the years. Many buildings in Santiago showcase Spanish colonial architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Examples include the presidential palace, La Moneda, and Santiago Cathedral. Many buildings are recognisable by their distinctive façades, courtyards and wrought-iron details. Later, particularly following Chile’s independence in the 19th century, many buildings were constructed in the Neoclassical style. These buildings and houses are characterised by their columns, symmetry, pediments and (decorative) elements drawn from classical antiquity. In the early 20th century, more buildings in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles began to appear. These are characterised by geometric shapes and incorporate many decorative elements. Subsequently, modernism became increasingly prominent in Santiago, with a greater emphasis on functionality, modern materials and clean lines. Today, Santiago boasts a mix of various architectural styles, and the number of skyscrapers in the city is on the rise. The most famous of these is the Costanera, a sleek, 300-metre-high skyscraper, which is the tallest building in South America and the second-tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. A remarkable, recently completed structure in Santiago is the Bahá’í Temple, situated in the Peñalolén district in the foothills of the Andes, just outside the city. Its architecture is striking and astonishing, and it is the first temple of its kind in South America.

Neighbourhoods in Santiago

Like so many large cities, Santiago is made up of a variety of interesting neighbourhoods. We’d like to give you an overview of some of these neighbourhoods:

Museums in Santiago

Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is dedicated to the art and culture of pre-Columbian civilisations in South America. Here you will find a collection of artworks and artefacts from various cultures, including the Incas, Mapuche, Moche and Tiwanaku. Everything dates from thousands of years ago right up to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The museum plays a vital role in preserving and exhibiting pre-Columbian heritage. Among other things, you’ll find sculptures, ceramics, textiles and goldwork.

National History Museum

The National History Museum is one of the most important museums showcasing the history of Chile. The museum is housed in a historic building which served as the royal mint in the 18th century. Here you will find an extensive collection of documents, artefacts, works of art and other historical objects that trace Chilean history from the pre-Columbian period to the present day. As a visitor, you will walk through various rooms, each dedicated to a different theme from history. The National History Museum plays a vital role in preserving and presenting Chile’s history.

La Chascona, Pablo Neruda

Built in the 1950s, ‘La Chascona Pablo Neruda’ is the historic home of the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Pablo used this house as a retreat for himself and his beloved Matilde Urrutia. The house is situated in the Bellavista district and is now a museum dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Neruda. The collection on display includes the original furniture, works of art, books and various personal belongings of Pablo Neruda. The name “La Chascona” refers to a nickname Pablo Neruda gave Matilde Urrutia because of her wild, curly hair. A visit to La Chascona offers you the chance to learn more about Pablo Neruda’s influence on Chilean literature and culture.

Santiago and the surrounding area

Not only Santiago itself, but also the area surrounding the city has plenty to offer. Whether you’re keen on cultural attractions, wine tastings in the vineyards, adventure in the mountains or simply relaxing on the beach, the area around Santiago has it all within easy reach!

Wine regions around Santiago

There are a number of wine regions in the vicinity of Santiago, which are among the most renowned in the world. The main wine regions near Santiago are the Colchagua Valley, the Maipo Valley and the Casablanca Valley. These wine regions are easily accessible to visitors and offer a wide range of wine tastings and guided tours of the vineyards.

Colchagua Valley
The Colchagua Valley lies some 160 km south of Santiago. The climate in this region is warmer, which has a beneficial effect on the complexity and diversity of the wines produced here. This region is particularly renowned for its high-quality red wines, which are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah.

Read more about Chile’s wine regions here.

Valparaiso

About 120 kilometres from Santiago lies the picturesque port city of Valparaíso. The city is built on steep hills that seem to disappear into the ocean. The city is characterised by its many colourful houses and winding streets. Partly due to its historic architecture, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before the Panama Canal opened, Valparaíso was the most important maritime destination on the Pacific coast. Another distinctive feature of the city is the 16 ‘ascensores’, or funicular railways, which connect different parts of the city. Of these 16 funiculars, only four are currently in operation.
You can explore the harbour, stroll along the coastline and enjoy fresh seafood in one of the many local restaurants. As well as being a maritime destination, Valparaíso is also renowned as a centre for art and culture. There is plenty of street art to be found, and the city is home to various (art) galleries. As a result, Valparaíso attracts many artists and musicians from all over the world. Cultural events are organised on a regular basis.

Viña del Mar

The seaside resort of Viña del Mar is situated near Valparaíso and is often referred to as the ‘Garden City’. This is due to the many parks and green spaces found throughout the town. Viña del Mar is also best known for its beaches, combined with a pleasant climate. The most famous beaches are Playa Acapulco and Playa Caleta Abara. As well as its beaches, Viña del Mar is famous for the ‘Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar’ music festival, which attracts international artists representing a wide range of genres. The music festival takes place in Parque Quinta Vergara, one of Viña del Mar’s largest parks. The park features beautiful gardens, walking trails and an amphitheatre, where the music festival is held.