Ministry of National Defense, Chilean government ministry responsible for military and national defense affairs
The Ministry of National Defense is Chile's government agency responsible for the armed forces and their operations. The headquarters at Zenteno 45 in Santiago serves as the central command for the army, navy, and air force.
The organization began in 1811 as a secret war secretariat and later became the Ministry of War under Bernardo O'Higgins. The current form as the Ministry of Defense was established in 1932 following multiple reorganizations of the institution.
The building is located at a clearly visible spot in central Santiago and recognizable from the street. The exterior can be viewed, but the interior is not open to the public for tours.
The agency underwent multiple restructurings in the 1920s and 1930s, sometimes combining or separating its branches based on government priorities. These organizational shifts reveal how Chile adapted its military administration over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
