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History & Evolution
Pedro de Valdivia of Spain first founded Santiago in 1541 with the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura. The Spanish ruled Chile from till 1800s and in 1817, Bernado Otiggius along with Argentine general Joze de Som Martin, won over the Spanish and Otiggius became the new nation’s first leader.

The city got damaged during the War of Independence in 1810–18 but was named the capital in 1818. Soon the city also experienced the drafting of 2 constitutions but in 1830s, a businessman called Diego Portales Palazuelas controlled the government through his role as the President’s advisor.

In 1836, Chile declared war over Peru and Bolivia and defeated them thus, managing to win large territories rich with copper & nitrates. In the following years there were few disputes between Stalinists, Trotskyites and other radicals though the democratic left dominated politics.

In 1973, General Augusto Pinochet came into power and ruled the country for next 16 years unleashing a reign of terror. During early 19th century, Santiago remained a small town with few buildings excepting Palacio de La Moneda, the building used as the Chilean mint during the Spanish period, and a few churches and other civic buildings. Today the city has grown into a bustling town with authorities improving some of the city's problems like transport, pollution and lopsided development.

Site-Seeing

Plaza de Armas:
The Plaza de Armas became the hub of administrative, commercial and social life when Santiago was founded in 1541. Today also, the square remains the heart of the city.

The historical hub of Santiago, the square is hemmed by impressive Spanish colonial public buildings, Cathedrals and an elaborate main post office that was once the Spanish governors' residence.

While the days are full of constant activity and throngs of people entertained by buskers and local artists, the evenings too are just as lively when passers-by can become embroiled in chess games on temporary tables set up under the trees.

Location: Arms Square

Palacio de la Moneda (Moneda Palace):
Built during the last days of Spanish rule in 1805, the Moneda Palace serves as the official seat of Chilean government. The building has many historical legends attached to it.

It was in this colonial building that Allende Salvador of Socialist government finally took his own life, when General Augusto Pinochet stroke air force jets against him in 1973. The bullet holes from Allende's last stand are still visible in the ornate facade. The Palace also houses many other historical relics, paintings and sculpture.

The palace is not open to the public but visitors can stroll along the courtyard that runs through the middle of the building.

Location: Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins, Calle Morande and Calle Teatinos

Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art:
Located in the old Royal Customs House, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art covers 4,500 years and 80 pre-Colombian civilizations of South America.

The collection provides an informative insight into the cultures of Incas, Mayans, Aztecs and other once proud civilizations of the continent, illustrating their artistic diversity.

Location: Calle Bandera 361

National History Museum:
The Colonial Palace of Real Audiencia houses the National History Museum. The museum displays many fine exhibits on Chile's native peoples, the colonial period, independence and the modern era, ending abruptly with the military coup in 1973.

Location: Plaza de Armas

Mercado Central:
Accommodated in an 1872 wrought iron structure, Mercado Central is a colourful Cnetral market of Santiago. The market houses fruit and vegetable markets as well as a buzzing fish market where an assortment of glistening fish is packed onto the tables.

The best time to visit Mercado is at lunchtime when a delicious sampling of the wares can be enjoyed in the happily chaotic atmosphere of the central hall.

Location: Corner of Calle Puente & Calle San Pablo