Portal Bulnes, Shopping arcade in Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Chile
Portal Bulnes is a shopping arcade between Monjitas and Merced streets featuring uniform architecture and pedestrian walkways with numerous ground-floor shops. The upper floors contain residential units and offices for various institutions.
The structure replaced the former Portal Mac-Clure in 1932 following designs by architect Jorge Arteaga. This reconstruction marked the transition to a new commercial era at this location.
The ground floor houses over twenty kiosks specializing in leather goods, particularly handbags and suitcases, run by Chilean craftspeople and descendants of Syrian immigrants. These shops shape the character of the arcade and reflect local immigration history and craft traditions.
The site is easily accessible on foot and well connected by public transportation since it sits directly on the main plaza. Visitors should arrive in the morning or early afternoon to see the full selection in the leather goods kiosks.
A former Chilean President, Jorge Alessandri, resided in the adjoining Edificio Presidente connected to this complex. This connection to national political history adds a layer of interest for those curious about Chile's past.
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