Casa de Las Gárgolas, Neo-Gothic residence in Vicuña Mackenna Avenue, Santiago, Chile
Casa de Las Gárgolas is a two-story Neo-Gothic residence on Vicuña Mackenna Avenue with stone gargoyles, pointed arch windows, and ornamental details throughout its facade. The structure includes the main residence and service quarters and now serves as headquarters for Chile's National Monuments Council.
Built in 1929 by architect Eduardo Cóstabal Zegers for farmer Melitón Moreno, the building received National Monument status in 2001. A 2003 restoration preserved its original features while adapting the structure for contemporary use.
The house blends Neo-Gothic and Tudor styles, featuring handcrafted wooden staircases, copper details, and stained glass windows that show the craftsmanship of the 1930s. Walking through the rooms, you can see how these design choices reflect the taste of that era.
The building is located in a historic neighborhood of Santiago and functions as an administrative headquarters, which may affect public access to the interior. Check ahead about visiting hours and what parts may be open to visitors.
The former private residence was converted into a government agency headquarters, including transforming the original garage into a conference room. This adaptive reuse shows how historic spaces can be reworked for new functions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
