Calle Dieciocho, Historical street and protected area in Santiago, Chile.
Calle Dieciocho is a street in Santiago that runs from the central area toward the northwest neighborhoods, lined with grand buildings in European styles. The street displays a mix of palaces, private residences, and public institutions that are traversed by modern urban life.
The street developed after embankments were built along the Mapocho River in the mid-1800s, allowing agricultural land to transform into a wealthy residential area. This growth made it one of the primary neighborhoods for the city's elite families.
The street hosts multiple universities and research institutes that shape the neighborhood as an academic hub. Students and scholars fill the area daily, giving it an intellectual character that distinguishes it from other parts of the city.
The area is well connected by public transportation and offers multiple entry points for walking tours to explore the architecture and institutions. The best time to stroll is during daytime when the neighborhood is active and public buildings are accessible.
The area still retains its 19th-century gas lighting systems, with some street sections faintly illuminated in the evenings. These rare working examples of old infrastructure offer an unusual glimpse into the past.
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