For people who want to know the Plaza de Armas of Santiago and come from regions or tourists from other countries I tell you since now is not a nice place to spend a nice day, the municipality of Santiago and the police (Carabinieri de Chile, apaseo of the parade ground, are making a blind eye with those who scammed in broad daylight many of the people who are in the square, are prostitutes passing in broad daylight offering the sex trade and at the same time committing robberies and messing up the square throwing used presertavos, using drugs and selling, and the authorities do nothing this I know why work from Monday to Friday in front of the square and I have seen how people who travel through the square is harassed until insulted by immigrants that the great majority are seated or in groups of 3 or more in different points of the square watching over someone to assault and if carabiner is approaching the square to flee, and then return and continue to dirty the square, this site has become a very dangerous place to date, what happens that nobody does anything? And seen as Colombians, Venezuelan and Chilean Peruvian Haitians, destroy a place with the sale of drugs and fights for the place, which has to happen so that the corresponding authorities take charge of what will be happening, I have every week that passes the plaza de armas lose more and more lighting and remains in darkness, I demand as a Chilean citizen that the presence of carabinero as a whole to the municipality react now and the plaza has more lighting and is a safe place to transit for the thousands of people who leave the city. metro for its different departures around the square every day, avoid taking their cell phones, camera for foreigners turiatik agency, avoid using jewelry and things that are...
Read morePlaza de Armas is the main square in Santiago, Chile, and one of the most important historical landmarks in the city. Established in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, it has served as the political, social, and religious center of Santiago for centuries. The square is surrounded by significant buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Royal Court Palace (now the National History Museum). It's a vibrant public space where locals and tourists gather, often featuring street performers, artists, and cultural events. The square also has a statue of Pedro de Valdivia and a fountain commemorating the colonial era. It's a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Santiago's rich history and culture.
While Plaza de Armas is a bustling and historically rich area, tourists should remain cautious and vigilant while exploring. Like many popular urban centers, the square can attract pickpockets and opportunistic thieves who target distracted visitors or those displaying valuables like phones, cameras, or jewelry. Purse snatchers and phone thieves are known to operate in crowded areas, so it’s important to keep belongings secure and out of sight. Avoid walking alone, especially in less crowded sections or side streets, and it’s strongly advised not to visit the area after dark, as the risk of theft or other incidents increases. Staying aware of your surroundings, traveling in groups, and using common sense can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to this iconic...
Read morePlaza de Armas The Spanish colonial forces laid out their settlements around a plaza, called the Plaza de Armas, for it was here the most important religious and civic buildings were constructed and the armed forces could congregate to defend the community. The area around the plaza is usually referred to as the centro, the center.
Santiago's Plaza de Armas dates from the 1540's when Pedro de Valdivia founded the city. The centro is a somewhat triangular area stretching north from the plaza to the Rio Mapocho, south to the Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, more commonly referred to as the Alameda, west to Via Norte Sur, which is Highway 5, the PanAmerican Highway.
Outside the triangle are some of Santiago's best known sights: Cerro Santa Lucia, Parque Forestal, Parque General Bustamente,intriguing Barrio Bellavista, and north of the Barrio, the Parque Metropolitano which offers scenic views of the city when the air is clear.
You'll want to refer to this map as we tour. The Plaza de Armas is located at the intersection of Compañía-Merced, Paseo Estado-21 de Mayo, Monjitas-Catedral and Paseo Puente-Paseo Ahumada streets.
The plaza was remodeled and anchors the Palacio de la Real Audiencia (1804) which houses the Museo Histórico, flanked by the Municipalidad de Santiago (1785) and the Correo Central (1882), seen here, and the Catedral...
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