Plaza de Armas Review

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Plaza de Armas

  • Address: Compañía at Estado, Santiago Centro, Santiago
Write a review | Avg. member rating: 3.8/5

Fodor's Review:

This square has been the symbolic heart of Chile—as well as its political, social, religious, and commercial center—since Pedro de Valdivia established the city on this spot in 1541. The Palacio de los Gobernadores, the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, and the Municipalidad de Santiago front the square's northern edge. The dignified Catedral graces the western side of the square. Among the palm trees are distinctive fountains and gardens revealing the Chileans' pride about their history. Also here is a bronze well that once served as the city's main source of water. On any given day, the plaza teems with life—vendors selling religious icons, artists painting the activity around them, street performers juggling fire, and tourists clutching guidebooks. In the southern corner of the plaza you can watch people playing chess.

  • Metro: Plaza de Armas
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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by jwinhsv from Alabama on 3/31/09
This huge plaza is the scene of all kinds of interesting activity, and it's not uncommon to see the Chilean president greeting visiting dignitaries here. I've seen more kings and queens in Santiago than anywhere else!

Member Rating: 3.8
Ratings details: Experience: 3.0 Ease: 5.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 3.0
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