Palacio de La Moneda, Presidential palace in Santiago, Chile
Palacio de La Moneda is a government building in downtown Santiago, Chile, covering a full city block and built from white masonry with three internal courtyards. Each courtyard connects to the others through tall archways and symmetrical colonnades that reinforce the neoclassical layout.
Completion took place in 1805 following designs by architect Gioacchino Toesca, originally conceived as a state mint. The building was reassigned as the presidential seat in 1845 and has served that function since.
The name Moneda recalls the building's original purpose as a royal mint, which remains in common use today. Plaza de la Constitución in front of the main entrance serves as a daily crossing point for commuters and a gathering space for city residents.
The ceremonial guard change takes place every two days in the morning and includes a military band performing Chilean tunes. Visitors stand best along Plaza de la Constitución, where the view of the parade is clearest.
Specific bullet marks from the 1973 military coup were deliberately preserved during restoration and integrated into the facade. These traces now form a visible part of national memory and remain recognizable on several exterior walls.
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