Chile is one of the most modern and most visited Latin American countries in the region. This nation has incredible landscapes, a wonderful natural wealth and fascinating cultural traditions, which make it a favorite destination for those who travel to South America. If you want to visit Santiago, its capital, take the opportunity to visit the Palace of the Currency, its most important building.
Chile, like most of the colonies of the former Spanish Empire, gained its independence in the mid-19th century. In this way, it went from being a simple province to proclaiming itself as an autonomous republic.
As might be expected, Chile had to start creating its own institutions, which included the government, state powers, and the national currency. At that time, Chile already had a mint, inherited from its colonial period, which had been inaugurated in 1805.
After carrying out some reforms, the Palace of the Currency began to work as a public entity, where legal tender coins were minted in Chile. Over the years, the national administration installed its headquarters in this neoclassical building, and since then it has been considered the most important building in the entire country.
Located in the center of the city, the Palace of the Currency is one of the unmissable visits for those who are going to know the Chilean capital. The building is easy to identify, since it not only stands out for its size, but for the extensive row of flags that it has in front of its facade.
In terms of design, the architecture of this government headquarters is simple, robust, with few floors and extensive gardens. Likewise, it is a palace created to last over time, since although it does not have too luxurious details, it is still surprising and wonderful.
However, the Palace of the Currency has also gone through difficult times, in which its very existence was threatened.
The occasion that most stands out occurred on September 11, 1973, when it was bombed by the Chilean Army, while a coup was taking place. During this event, the then president, Salvador Allende, was removed from office and the building was seriously damaged.
Luckily, the Palace of the Currency was rebuilt following its original design, which is why it is still considered a National Historic Monument.
Although they stand out for their architectural beauty and cultural legacy, government buildings tend to be left out of travel itineraries. But if you are still planning your walk through Santiago de Chile, do not hesitate to include the Palace of the Currency.
This is open throughout the year, and guided tours can be scheduled, which will take you through the most outstanding spaces of this presidential residence. Keep in mind that you can take pictures near the main facade, but for safety reasons, you won’t be able to get too close.
In the same way, being a central place, the Palace of the Currency is a close neighbor of other points of tourist interest, such as the Paris-London neighborhood, the Cerro Santa Lucía, the Plaza de Armas and the Pablo Neruda House.
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