Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas

The Santiago audio-guided tour begins on the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city. Like all the great cities of South America, Santiago has its Plaza de Armas, the starting point of its history and the veritable kilometre zero of the capital.

Where Santiago was born

Created by the conquistadors, these squares gathered the powers of the time, around the cathedral and the cabildo, seat of the colonial administration. It is here that Pedro de Valdivia founded his colony, Santiago del Nuevo Extremo, on 12 February 1541, before the city developed in regular blocks. The square became the political, social and religious centre of the city. One finds there today the monument to American liberty, which represents a woman breaking the chains, as well as a tribute to the indigenous peoples, in support of those who were present before the conquest and who still defend their rights.

What there is to see

Bordered by the cathedral and the buildings of power, the square is a condensation of the history of Chile. A time capsule was buried there in 2010, for the bicentenary of the country, with instructions to open it in 2110: it contains objects of popular culture as well as texts in the indigenous Mapuche, Aymara and Quechua languages, a message addressed to future generations. Lively and tree-lined, the square remains the great meeting place of Santiago.

Practical information

The Plaza de Armas is in the heart of the historic centre of Santiago. It is a public space freely accessible at all hours and on the level. The cathedral, historical museum and other institutions that border it follow their own hours.

Who founded Santiago and when?

Pedro de Valdivia, on 12 February 1541, on the site of the present Plaza de Armas, the starting point of the city.

What is the time capsule of the Plaza de Armas?

A capsule buried in 2010 for the bicentenary, to be opened in 2110, containing objects and texts in indigenous languages addressed to future generations.