Santiago City Attractions

Santiago City in Chile was founded by the Spaniards in the year 1541, and it was used as the capital of Chile. There are many Santiago attractions that you can visit here because of its heritage. This city has more than six million inhabitants. However, it still has the legacy of 19th-century colonial and neoclassical buildings. This picturesque city has many hills that add to its beauty. Also, there are many tourist attractions in Santiago, and we are here to review some of them for you.

Gran Torre Santiago Skyscrapper

Gran Torre Santiago skyscraper is in Santiago, and it is high enough that you can see it from anywhere in the city. This 64-story building is the largest skyscraper in Latin America. This building is 300 meters high and has six underground. Officially known as the Costanera Center Torre 2, it is part of a large central complex comprising a shopping mall in South America. It is one of the major Santiago attractions for architecture enthusiasts.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino to See Pre-Columbian Art

This Museum includes items dating back to 10000 years ago. Not only does it have pre-Columbian artwork, but it also holds artworks from Chile, other parts of South America as well as Central America. The building began with a private collection and eventually gathered more than 5000 works of art and crafts. These items are made from various materials, such as metal, textiles, ceramics, bone, and leather. Located in central Santiago, the museum reflects the achievements of the Chilean people before Europeans arrived.

Santa Lucía Hill in The Center of Santiago

Cerro Santa Lucia is another one of the famous Santiago attractions, which is a hill in central Santiago that represents the remnants of a 15 million-year-old volcano. This hill was originally known as Huelen, but in the year 1543, it was renamed in honor of Santa Lucia. Over the centuries, this hill has been home to various castles and oppositions residing in the area. The hill was rebuilt in the 19th century. Today, there is a park, a statue, a fountain, and a castle on top of this hill.

Mercado Central for Fresh Seafood

Although Mercado Central also sells other foods, the seafood in this area is very tasty and famous. In this area, you can find seafood made from fresh and healthy food. Other restaurants are available if you are interested in eating seafood instead of buying them for your home. Mercado Central is famous as a historic landmark of Santiago. Moreover, you can find Mercado Central near the Plaza de Armas.

La Chascona Located in the Barrio Bellavista

Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet and a Nobel Prize winner that had three houses. La Chascona is one of them. Neruda had a quirky personality that was well reflected in this house. Even the name is derived from his curly red hair. The building resembles a ship, and many tourists come to the area to visit its kitchen. The kitchen of this building looks like a ship’s cabin. There is also a legendary garden behind the building.

Barrio Bellavista Neighborhood in Bellavista

This neighborhood is nearby Santiago, where artists and intellectuals live. This neighborhood is famous because of Pablo Neruda, which we mentioned earlier about his house. There are many boutiques and galleries in the area. Old colored houses are visible on their streets. On the weekend, there is a handicraft market that is open to the public.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

While most of Santiago’s major cathedrals have been destroyed by earthquakes, Santiago Cathedral has been standing still in the area for more than 260 years. Its construction began for the first time in 1748. This Neoclassical Stone Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Santiago attractions and religious architecture in South America. One of its towers contains the remains of the first Cardinal of Chile. This church’s interior and wooden doors were carved for the first time in 1765. Inside, you can find a decorated altar and a sacred art museum.

Cerro San Cristobal Hill North of The City

Cerro San Cristobal hill is the most famous among Santiago attractions which is located in the north of Santiago, offering a beautiful view of the city. The Spanish conquerors named it St. Christopher. At the top of the hill, you can find the statue of the Virgin Mary as well as an observatory. Pope John Paul II lived on a small altar in this sanctuary. Also, there’s a theatrical amphitheater here. Cerro San Cristobal contains the largest park in Santiago, Chile’s National Zoo, Japanese Garden, and two large pools.