Cathedral of Santiago

It is one of the classics to visit in the Historic Center of Santiago, since it is located right in front of the Plaza de Armas. It is considered a National Monument and throughout its history there have been different temples in the same place, the Cathedral being the fifth built in this place.

A little history ...

Between 1566 and 1600, the first cathedral temple was built in the Plaza de Armas, a place that Pedro de Valdivia designated for religious services. That church had much smaller dimensions than those we can see now. The history of the current Cathedral dates back to 1745 when the construction of the temple that is today began. The Church was finally consecrated in 1775, and a few years later the Italian architect Joaquín Toesca was in charge of the construction of the current façade. 

The architectural complex of the cathedral is made up of the Archbishop's Palace, the Parroquia del Sagrario and the temple itself. All of these buildings are considered National Monuments. 

What to see in the Metropolitan Cathedral?

From observing your beautiful architecture and façade, until you get to know its different altars dedicated to important figures such as the Apostle Santiago (patron saint of the city), San Alberto Hurtado (Jesuit priest and Chilean saint), among others. Inside the Cathedral, the tombs of great personalities in the country's history also stand out, the first bishops and figures of the Creole aristocracy, such as Diego Portales (former vice president of Chile), Hermanos Carrera and Monsignor Joaquín Larraín, founder and first rector. from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. 

Inside the cathedral is also the Museum of Sacred Art, which contains a large collection of silverware and works of art from different religious orders. 

La Cathedral is open to the public from Monday to Sunday and celebrates masses at 12:30 and 19:00 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) and on Sundays at 9:45, 11:00, 12:00 and 19:00 p.m. 

You can arrive on our Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus by getting off at the Plaza de Armas Stop or also getting off at the Plaza de Armas Station of the Santiago Metro (line 5). 

Website: See here

Opening hours: Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. | Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. | Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.

Entrada: Free. 

Location: Main Square.