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Palacio de La Moneda

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Historical site
—°13
Palacio de La Moneda (Chile)

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The Palacio de La Moneda is the seat of the President of Chile and one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Santiago. Originally designed as a royal mint, construction began in 1784 under the direction of Italian architect Joaquín Toesca and was completed in 1805. The neoclassical structure is characterized by its massive walls and the balanced symmetry of its central courtyards. On September 11, 1973, the palace was heavily damaged during a military coup, marking the site of President Salvador Allende's death. Following extensive restoration efforts, the building was reinaugurated in 1981 and has since resumed its role as the center of government operations. In 2006, the La Moneda Cultural Center was established beneath the plaza in front of the palace, hosting a variety of modern art exhibitions. The palace remains a powerful symbol of Chile's turbulent political history and the endurance of its national institutions. The ceremonial changing of the guard held at the palace is a popular attraction for visitors to the capital.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2221201613981012151821
Rain mm89101244634740151297

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago is the seat of government and only partially open to the public. Guided tours are available on certain days; the exterior grounds are freely accessible.
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Typical hours
Guided tours typically occur on weekends, often in the morning. Registration is usually required; check the official website for exact times.
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Photography
Exterior photos are unrestricted. During the tour, photography is usually allowed without flash, but may be prohibited in some rooms.
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Time needed
The tour lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. For the exterior visit and the plaza, 20 minutes is enough.
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Combine with
The palace is on Plaza de la Constitución, near the cathedral and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Bellavista neighborhood is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The palace is in central Santiago and easily reachable by Metro (Moneda station). Several bus lines also stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Book the tour online in advance as spots are limited. Watch the changing of the guard on the forecourt - a popular photo opportunity.

Geography

Coordinates
-33.44290, -70.65360

Facts

  • Construction began in 1784 and continued until its opening in 1805.
  • Architect Joaquín Toesca passed away in 1799 before the project was finished.
  • Served as the official National Mint of Chile until the year 1929.
  • Sustained severe damage from air strikes during the coup on September 11, 1973.
  • The walls are over one meter thick to provide stability against earthquakes.
  • Currently houses the President's office and several government ministries.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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SantiagoSantiago2 km · SExplore →
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Mirador Interactive MuseumMirador Interactive Museum5 km · NWExplore →
Parque BicentenarioParque Bicentenario6 km · NExplore →
Maipo ValleyMaipo Valley9 km · NWExplore →
KidZania SantiagoKidZania Santiago9 km · NExplore →
Puente AltoPuente Alto11 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Palacio de La Moneda (13)

Bandera Bicentenario📍 landmark

Inaugurated on September 17, 2010, this monumental attraction in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2 features a massive ceremonial flag.

Galería de Arte Contemporáneo Gabriela Mistral🏛 museum

This gallery in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2 exhibits innovative contemporary artworks.

Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda🏛 museum

Situated in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2, this expansive gallery complex has major cultural exhibitions beneath a civic plaza.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-19:00♿🆓

Teatro Nacional Chileno Sala Antonio Varas🎭 culture

This prominent theatre in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2 is a cornerstone of the national dramatic arts scene.

Altar de la Patria🏛 museum

This museum and solemn crypt in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2 serves as a historical memorial.

🆓

La Botica Salcobrand📍 landmark

This attraction in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2 features a historically styled pharmacy setting.

Plaza de la Constitución🌳 park

This expansive urban park in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2 is surrounded by key governmental architecture.

Plazuela Griselda Hinojosa Flores🌳 park

Dedicated to Griselda Hinojosa, this small park provides a tranquil public space in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2.

🕒 24/7

Basílica del Salvador🏺 historical

These historic basilica ruins in palacio-de-la-moneda-history-v2 stand as a poignant reminder of past earthquakes.

Palacio Pereira🏺 historical

The Palacio Pereira is an elegant neoclassical manor in Santiago, designed by architect Lucien Hénault and dating back to 1872.

Teatro Coliseo🎭 culture

The Teatro Coliseo is a prominent circular-style theatre in Santiago, known for hosting major live music concerts and cultural events.

Club de La Unión🏺 historical

Built in 1925 by architect Alberto Cruz Montt, the Club de La Unión is a distinguished French neoclassical manor in the heart of Santiago.

Antigua Iglesia de Las Agustinas⛪ religious

The Antigua Iglesia de Las Agustinas is a historic Catholic church in Santiago, renowned for its resilient colonial-era architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the presidential palace open to tourists?
Interior visits require a prior appointment via the official website.
When does the changing of the guard take place?
On odd-numbered days or specific dates at 10:00 AM in Plaza de la Constitución.
Where is the cultural center located?
The Centro Cultural La Moneda is located directly beneath the square in front of the palace.
Is photography of the palace allowed?
Yes, outdoor photography is allowed at any time.
How do you get there by metro?
The 'La Moneda' station (Line 1) is located right next to it.
Palacio de La Moneda: where is it located?
Palacio de La Moneda is located in Chile.
Palacio de La Moneda: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bandera Bicentenario, Galería de Arte Contemporáneo Gabriela Mistral, Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda.
Palacio de La Moneda: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Palacio de La Moneda: why is it worth visiting?
The Palacio de La Moneda is the seat of the President of Chile and one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Santiago.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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