Casa Manuel Montt, National monument in Santiago commune, Chile.
Casa Manuel Montt is a two-story building at Merced 738 with neoclassical design from the 1830s and preserved original facade elements. The first floor now houses an art gallery, while the upper level retains the 19th-century character of the residence.
The house was built as a residence during Chile's early republic and served as home to a major political leader of the nation. It later became the birthplace of another president, highlighting its significance in the country's history.
The house bears the name of a former Chilean president and reflects the shift from colonial to neoclassical design visible in 19th-century Santiago buildings. You can see this stylistic change in the facade details and the way the rooms are arranged inside.
The monument sits in central Santiago and is easy to reach via Merced Street. Access is available during gallery hours, making it convenient to visit while exploring the downtown area.
The building only received its national monument status in 1981, more than a century after it served as a residence. This delayed recognition shows how historical houses in the city took time to be officially valued as cultural treasures.
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