Palacio Hirmas

Palacio Hirmas is a three-story neoclassical building located where Diego Barros Arana and Colo-Colo streets meet in central Concepcion. The roofline features a distinctive dome topped with a spire, while the facade combines classical European design elements with local characteristics.

Architects Edgardo Figueroa and Israel de la Barra completed the building in 1925 during a period of economic prosperity. It marked the end of an era when grand private residences were still being constructed before economic upheaval changed construction patterns in the city.

The palace was commissioned by the Hirmas family, whose ancestors came from Palestine and built their lives in this region. The design reflects the prosperity that this immigrant community achieved in the city's commercial life.

The building now houses retail shops on the ground floor with commercial spaces throughout the upper levels, making it a mixed-use structure. Visitors should note that access to different areas depends on which businesses are open, and some sections may not be publicly accessible.

Since 1939, the structure has survived multiple earthquakes and fires yet remains a protected historical property. Despite undergoing various renovations, it has maintained its special status as a landmark that endures through natural disasters.