Casa Central de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Historical monument and university headquarters in Valparaíso, Chile

The Casa Central of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso is a four-storey building plus a basement, square in plan, with two interior courtyards surrounded by galleries and separated by a raised chapel; a passage beneath the chapel links the courtyards. A double marble staircase rises at the entrance, with stairs at the four corners and a glass lift at the main access. The chapel on the second floor has mosaics and stained glass, and the Salón de Honor occupies the third floor facing Avenida Brasil.

Construction began in 1925 on land cleared that August, funded by sisters Isabel and Teresa Brown Caces and overseen by Rafael Ariztía Lyon. Architects Ernesto Urquieta and Gregorio Airola won the commission after a competition; the first stone was blessed on 21 September 1925. The university was inaugurated on 25 March 1928, and the complex was declared a National Monument in 2003.

The Salón de Honor on the third floor, reached by the main marble staircase, hosts ceremonies, academic events and cultural activities, with a gallery opening onto the fourth floor. The chapel on the second floor is noted for its mosaics and stained glass. The two interior courtyards and the former cafeteria, now a multipurpose space, were recently remodelled.

The building sits on Avenida Brasil between Avenida Argentina and 12 de Febrero in central Valparaíso. Access to interior spaces may be limited, so it is wise to inquire about visiting hours or guided tours beforehand.

The two interior courtyards are separated by a chapel raised one level, so a passage runs beneath it linking both patios. The original budget of 1,000,000 pesos of six pence grew to 7,500,000 after Rafael Ariztía Lyon decided to build a complete university. The complex once held up to 6,000 students.