Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square), Santiago
The Plaza de la Constitución is named in recognition of the ten Chilean constitutions. The square is surrounded by government buildings such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Municipality of Santiago, and the Chilean Central Bank. The square was updated in 1983 with paths, a grassy area, trees, and an underground parking lot.
There are two fabulous water fountains in the southern part of the square. Visitors will find five statues commemorating influential Chileans. Diego Portales founded the Chilean republic. Other statues are of Chilean presidents. Pedro Aguirre Cerda governed from 1938-1941, Jorge Alessandri was preseident from 1958-1964, Eduardo Frei Montalva was president from 1964-1970, and Salvador Allende was president from 1970-1973.
The La Moneda Palace dominates the square and is the seat of government. In front of the La Moneda Palace, there are flags representing 12 different regions of Chile. Don't miss the changing of the guard, which takes place every other day at 10:00 am in front of the flags.
There are two fabulous water fountains in the southern part of the square. Visitors will find five statues commemorating influential Chileans. Diego Portales founded the Chilean republic. Other statues are of Chilean presidents. Pedro Aguirre Cerda governed from 1938-1941, Jorge Alessandri was preseident from 1958-1964, Eduardo Frei Montalva was president from 1964-1970, and Salvador Allende was president from 1970-1973.
The La Moneda Palace dominates the square and is the seat of government. In front of the La Moneda Palace, there are flags representing 12 different regions of Chile. Don't miss the changing of the guard, which takes place every other day at 10:00 am in front of the flags.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santiago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square)
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santiago, Chile
Create Your Own Walk in Santiago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santiago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Santiago Introduction Walking Tour
Santiago is the political, financial, and cultural center of Chile. The capital city was founded on Santa Lucia Hill in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, Santiago offers history, gorgeous architecture, world-class museums, and fabulous markets.
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Santiago Shopping and Food Tour
Santiago is a busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact downtown bursting with exciting places to dine and shop. In recent years, Chile's affluence has prompted many international retailers to open their stores in the country's capital. Here you can shop practically for everything: from food to clothing to gifts and beyond, much as your bank account allows you.
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Bellavista Walking Tour
One of Santiago's most enigmatic neighborhoods, Bellavista is a lively and quirky area akin to Montmartre in Paris. Known for its bohemian culture and thumping nightlife, the district is dotted with casual pubs, low-lit cocktail bars, discos and numerous eateries serving fusion cuisine. Many of the city's esteemed intellectuals and artists live in Bellavista, following in the footsteps... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches and Cathedrals
For a country relatively small in terms of population, Chile is quite rich in two things: coastline and churches. Thanks to the Spanish founders of the Chilean capital, the majority of Santiago’s temples are Catholic. Given that most of them are conveniently located in the downtown area, checking out these historic religious sites doesn’t take too much time.
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Recoleta Walking Tour
Established under the rule of Pinochet, Recoleta is perhaps the most famous of all the Santiago communes. It is undeniably one of Chile’s most multicultural places, replete with historic and architectural attractions: churches, parks and more.
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Made-in-Chile Goods to Bring Home from Santiago
Unlike the late 20th century, when Chile was largely associated with oppressive regime, today's Chile is known primarily for its premium wines and colorful crafts. If you're fortunate to visit the country's capital city Santiago de Chile, you will find yourself spoiled for choice with...