This is a cosmopolitan city on the banks of the Mapocho river. It is a vibrant city in its urban geography, surrounded by picturesquely traditional villages and full of modern buildings of futuristic architecture. This is Santiago, the capital of Chile, one of the most important financial hubs of South America.
Streets redolent of the past. Avenues that lead you towards the future. Santiago thrills, seduces and enlightens you. It is a forgetful giant, hardly remembering that not so long ago it was just a "bunch of buildings" strung out at the foot of the Santa Lucia Hill.
It was centuries ago, on February 12th 1541, when Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura, not realizing that 6 months later the small village would be attacked by the brave Mapuches, and that centuries later it would become the political, cultural, administrative and economic center of one of the most dynamic and progressive countries in South America.
Throughout its history, this capital has collected a series of architectural treasures that compel you to walk through it slowly in order to discover splendid buildings like the Red House, a colonial style construction of 1769, which has been turned into a Museum and the "Palacio de la Moneda" (Palace of the Mint) (1805) - in the neo-classical style and the seat of the Chilean government. What is more, you have its splendid Cathedral, built in 1785.
There are also other important spots, such as the extensive parks and the majestic Art Museum, opened in 1910, a conservative touch that provides a contrast with the adventurous design of the modern buildings and the bohemian atmosphere of the suburbs, where the surroundings invite one to take a break and have a coffee.
