Overview:

Plaza de Armas is the historic centre of Santiago de Chile's city centre. Located in the main square of the city, it is the focal point of the city and the government and political heart of the capital of Chile. This area was also the birthplace of Chile's independence movement, which started here on September 18, 1810. Plaza de Armas is a large open plaza, with palm trees, benches, and fountains that create an oasis of calm in the city centre. It is also the main point from which many of Santiago's main tourist attractions and points of interest can be reached. This makes it a great place to people-watch and observe the hustle and bustle of the Chilean Capital. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

The Plaza de Armas de Santiago is the main square of Santiago, the capital city of Chile. Constructed in 1541, the Plaza de Armas has historically been the heart of the city and is today its most recognizable landmark. Located in the city’s historic district, the Plaza de Armas features various government buildings and statues, including the Santiago City Hall and the Catedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in the country. In addition, the square is surrounded by picturesque architecture, including the original colonial facades of colonial-era Santiago. The Plaza de Armas is also home to several markets and frequently hosts concerts and festivals. Visitors to Santiago should certainly include a visit to the Plaza de Armas on their itinerary. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Plaza de Armas, or “Main Square”, of Santiago is one of the oldest and most important public spaces in the Chilean capital. This vast square was the site of Santiago's original settlement in 1541, when the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia designated it as the city center. Subsequently, it became the commercial and social hub of Santiago throughout the 18th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. The Plaza de Armas is bordered by a host of iconic buildings, including the Cathedral of Santiago, the National Library, and the Palace of the Generalísimo. The centerpiece of the Square is a large bronze and stone statue of Pedro de Valdivia, the conqueror of Chile. Throughout the years, the Plaza de Armas has been the site of many important events in the history of Santiago. It served as a plaza of justice for much of the colonial period, where hearings and court judgments were administered. It has also seen several political protests, with the most famous occurring in the 19th century when a mass demonstration of 20,000 people who had gathered in the Plaza to demand the overthrow of the monarchy. In the late 19th century, the Plaza de Armas underwent a significant refurbishment. It was widened and redesigned to make it into a more comfortable and inviting public space, and it is now one of the most vibrant and popular tourist destinations in Santiago. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. Plaza de Armas, located in Santiago, Chile is the oldest plaza in the city and has been a public square for over 200 years. 2. The plaza is home to the original governmental palace of Chile, the Palacio de La Moneda, which was completed in 1805. 3. The Plaza de Armas is roughly in the shape of a square and is surrounded by 3 stone arches. 4. The plaza is home to a large central fountain, which was constructed in the 1940s and is meant to represent the four cardinal points of the compass. 5. Plaza de Armas is home to a variety of statues, including a monument to Simon Bolivar and a monument to Bernardo O’Higgins. 6. For many years, the plaza hosted a daily changing of the guard, but this practice has been stopped in recent years. 7. The square is very popular as a gathering place for locals and tourists and is filled with street performers, vendors, and tour guides. 8. The plaza is also home to many stores, restaurants, and cafes. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.