Plaza del Armas
Plaza del Armas is the main square of Santiago, Chile. It is the historic center of the city and serves as the heart of the city. Not just culturally, but also literally because Plaza del Armas functions as “mile marker zero” from which other locations are measured throughout Chile. Santiago is designed as a grid system, and Plaza del Armas is the middle square of the grid.
It was designed by Pedro de Gamboa. The square is a large open area, with statues and street vendors. It is a great place to people watch or take in some of the architecture of the city.
Surrounding the square are some of the most significant buildings in the city. You will find the Central Post Office, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National History Museum which is located in what was formerly the Royal Courthouse.
Plaza del Armas is also the name of a large station on the Santiago metro system.
Location:
Plaza del Armas, 8320341 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile.
The plaza is located at the core of the historic center of the city.
It is above the Plaza del Armas metro station, located on both Line 3 and Line 5.
Visiting:
The main thing to do in Plaza del Armas is to take pictures. There are many great statues to see and interesting buildings.
Plaza del Armas is centrally located near many of the major tourist attractions in Santiago. It makes a great starting off point for any walking tour to look at historical buildings in the city.
The plaza can get crowded. There are street vendors, and some may approach you trying to sell things.
As in any crowded tourism area, be careful of pickpockets. While I felt fine walking around during the day and taking pictures, I was surprised that there is not a greater police presence in the square. Unfortunately it looks like crime is increasing at Plaza del Armas. Do not carry valuables with you, and avoid being there after dark.
Neighborhood:
Plaza del Armas is in the middle of Santiago’s Centro Historico, or historic center. The buildings surrounding the plaza were built centuries ago around the time that Santiago was founded. In the surrounding neighborhood you will find some of the most culturally important buildings in the city. Many of the major landmarks for tourists are a short walk from Plaza del Armas.
The neighborhood is also a commercial center for the city. There are skyscrapers full of office workers, and shops and cafes everywhere. Its the type of neighborhood where you could go a million times and see something new every time.
The neighborhood feels like it is in a period of transition right now, and not necessarily for the better. Many office buildings are now located in other parts of the city. Reports of crime have had a chilling effect on tourists walking around the area.
History:
The plaza was built right around the time of the founding of Santiago. It was designed by Pedro de Gamboa following the designs dictated by the Spanish crown. All new cities in the Americas were supposed be be designed on a grid pattern.
The plaza was originally called the Main Square, because it was the central square on the grid. It was left open as a gathering area, with significant buildings for the city being constructed around the perimeter.
After the first major attack against the city, the square took on the name Arms Square.
An aqueduct was built to bring water to a fountain that was located in the center of the square. The fountain was where people in the city came to get their drinking water.
The square was formerly the location of the main market in the city. It has also been the location of many major events such as religious processions.
In 1999 the plaza was rebuilt with the construction of the Plaza del Armas metro station.