Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago

Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago is a neoclassical building with symmetrical arches, columns, and a central tower overlooking Plaza de Armas from its northern edge. The two-story structure was built in stone with an interior courtyard that once served official court gatherings.

Built between 1804 and 1808 by architect Juan Jose de Goycolea, it served as the royal court of justice during Spanish colonial rule. The building later became the site where Chilean independence was declared in 1818, and eventually transformed into a museum preserving the nation's history.

The palace was the seat of Spanish judicial power during colonial times and visibly represented the empire's authority in the region. Visitors today can observe how the building's layout and rooms were designed to display that power and control.

The site is open Tuesday through Sunday with guided tours available in several languages to help visitors understand the collections. Access from public transport is straightforward, and the interior has stairs and elevators serving all floors.

The site was where Chilean independence was publicly celebrated in 1818, not merely declared in documents. This celebration marked when Spanish colonial rule officially ended and the newly formed nation took its place in the region.