Plaza de la Constitución, Square in Santiago, Chile

Plaza de la Constitución is a public square in Santiago, Chile, located in the civic district in front of the Palacio de la Moneda. It occupies a full city block and is bordered by Moneda, Morandé, Agustinas, and Teatinos streets, with several government buildings surrounding it.

In the early 20th century, the area in front of La Moneda held a small plaza with a statue of Diego Portales and two fountains. By the 1970s, the space had become a parking lot, but after the 1973 damage to the palace, a redesign in the early 1980s transformed it into the current square.

The square serves as a gathering place for Chileans, especially during national holidays and public events, when people come to celebrate or protest. Its name, Constitution Square, reflects its role as a civic space, and the statue of Diego Portales at the north end is a focal point for visitors and locals alike.

The square is easy to reach on foot from the city center, and its central location makes it a handy reference point when exploring nearby streets. Visitors can enter from any of the four surrounding streets, and the open layout allows for a quick visit or a longer pause.

Beneath the square lies an underground parking facility, a feature that allows the surface to remain open and green. The statue of Diego Portales, a key figure in Chile's history, was moved to the north end during the 1980s redesign, aligning with the palace's axis.