Plaza de Armas of Santiago

It is a must-see in the old town, which dates back to the time of the Spanish Conquest and has been modernized over time, but maintaining its essence. 

A little history ...

A curiosity is that this type of main square exists throughout Chile, because when the Spanish established cities they always used that point as the axis of the gridded planes and it was often where the water source from which the city was supplied was located. community. Historically, these squares were used for civic ceremonies and festive activities.

After Independence, the square was renamed from Plaza Mayor to Plaza de la Independencia, a name that failed to be recognized in the population and changed again to the name it bears today: “Plaza de Armas de Santiago”. 

In 1840, the association of square with garden was introduced for the first time and a first attempt at beautification appeared with the construction of a circular garden with a trellis. In 1870, the Chilean plaza model was already configured with seats, trees and grass areas. Later the odeon was built, with which parades and music were added to the activities in the square.
In 1999, the square underwent a complete remodeling for the construction of a new Santiago metro station, recovering its pedestrian quality. And in 2014, the last maintenance was carried out that included 40% more green areas, today the square has a wooded core that has 125 species of trees. 

What to see in the Plaza de Armas?

The square has many attractions such as the monument to Pedro de Valdivia, monument to the native peoples, statue of the Apostle Santiago. Don't forget to look at the floor of the square, since there is the Kilometer Zero plaque and a plaque commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul II. There are also historical plans of the city of Santiago and records of the construction of the Cathedral. 

In its surroundings, you will be able to see the four historic buildings that surround it; the Municipality of Santiago, the Palace of the Royal Court and National Historical Museum, the Santiago Central Post Office building, and in front, the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

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). 

Entrada: Free. 

Location: Santiago Center