Santiago Metropolitan Region, Capital city in central valley, Chile
The Santiago Metropolitan Region spreads across the central valley between the Andes mountain chain and the Coastal Range, crossed by the Mapocho River that flows between residential districts and business centers. Parks run through the urban fabric while high-rises mark the skyline and alternate with lower buildings from different eras.
Pedro de Valdivia founded the settlement in February 1541 and laid out the first Plaza de Armas as the center from which streets spread in a grid pattern. Over the following centuries the city grew beyond its colonial boundaries and became the capital of the new republic after independence in 1818.
The name comes from Saint James, patron saint of Spain, whom the conquistadors honored. Today the region combines colonial churches with modern neighborhoods where residents meet in street cafés and use the parks for weekend picnics.
The Andes mountain chain provides a clear reference point to the east, while the neighborhoods spread westward from there. Air quality can become hazy in winter especially during mornings, so visiting higher parks in late morning or afternoon helps.
On clear days the entire Andes range is visible from the urban area, with snow-capped peaks appearing more or less white depending on the season. This line of sight changes throughout the day as light casts the mountains in different shades.
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