Cripta de Bernardo O'Higgins, Military memorial in Plaza de la Ciudadanía, Santiago, Chile
The Cripta de Bernardo O'Higgins is an underground chamber beneath Plaza de la Ciudadanía in downtown Santiago that holds his marble sarcophagus. The crypt displays informational panels that tell the story of the national leader's life and military accomplishments.
The independence leader was brought back from Peru in 1869 and given a tomb of Carrara marble crafted by Italian sculptor Rinaldo Rinaldi. The monument was relocated several times before settling in its current location beneath the plaza in 2006.
The crypt serves as a gathering point where Chileans observe national holidays and commemorations tied to the country's founding story. Visitors come here to connect with the nation's independence legacy.
Access to the crypt is through the Plaza de la Ciudadanía, where visitors can easily locate the entrance and explore the underground space. Visiting during daylight hours allows you to see the surroundings and inscriptions more clearly.
The sarcophagus spent years in different locations, including temporary storage at the Military School, before its final placement. This journey of the monument reflects the shifting tides of the nation's political history.
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