Palacio arzobispal de Santiago, Archbishop's Palace near Plaza de Armas, Chile
The Palacio Arzobispal de Santiago is a three-story neoclassical building with a rectangular inner courtyard whose facade facing Plaza de Armas displays Doric and Corinthian columns. The ground floor contains retail spaces, while the upper levels house religious administrative offices and ceremonial rooms.
Construction began in 1852 under architect François Brunet de Baines and was completed in 1870 by Lucien Hénault after Brunet's death interrupted the project. This extended building period reflected the growing importance of the Catholic Church in Chile's capital.
It serves as the administrative center for the Archdiocese of Santiago de Chile and houses religious artworks, paintings, and stained glass windows. These collections tell the story of the Catholic Church in the region.
The palace is located on Ahumada Street at number 444 near Plaza de Armas, where it is easily accessible on foot and its facade is visible from the street. Since the lower levels contain retail shops, visitors can explore the exterior and sometimes access parts of the inner courtyard.
During the military dictatorship, the palace chapel was repurposed as an exhibition space for families of missing persons and human rights activities. This use made it a significant place of memory and resistance during that difficult period.
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