Description
Served primarily by San Antonio, a moderately-sized Chilean port city within touching distance of the nation’s capital, Santiago is among the highlights on your cruise through South America. The largest city in Chile, and among the largest in the Americas, this urban centre is a fascinating place to explore. From impressive cultural landmarks like La Moneda Palace and San Cristobal Hill to the breathtaking views from atop Santa Lucia Hill and the remarkable artwork in the National Museum of Fine Arts, there are experiences everyone can enjoy in Santiago – not to mention the abundance of incredible restaurants and bars to check out. You’ll also find yourself a stone’s throw from a stretch of stunning beaches in San Sebastian, and San Antonio itself is a fantastic place to spend some time if you’re looking to connect with the great outdoors. So, no matter what type of traveller you are, you’ll find something to enjoy when visiting Santiago.
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Things to do
Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts
The oldest fine arts museum in South America, the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts in Santiago is one of the world’s major centres for Chilean and South American art; established in 1880 and currently housed in the Palace of the Fine Arts – which was built in 1910 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Chilean independence – this museum boasts a collection of over 5,000 artworks.
La Moneda Palace
Once an impressive mint house during Chile’s colonial period, producing coins from 1814 to 1929, La Moneda Palace is the current seat of the president of the Republic of Chile and one of Santiago’s most famous landmarks. Occupying an entire block in the city’s Civic District, the neoclassical architectural style is influenced by Roman construction styles, affording the building a unique grandeur. It opens onto the Plaza de La Constitución, a neat city square that’s almost the same size as La Moneda Palace itself. The La Moneda Cultural Centre also sits just behind the palace, and you’ll find rotating art exhibitions, restaurants, and more within.
Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception on San Cristóbal Hill
One of the principal places of worship for the Catholic Church of Chile, and somewhere that’s considered a symbol of the city of Santiago, the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception is a shrine made famous for its impressive statue of the Virgin Mary – symbolising the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ – that stands over 14 metres tall. Sitting atop San Cristóbal Hill, which means the statue stands over 850 metres above sea level, this sanctuary offers visitors incredible views of Santiago and the surrounding scenery.