Castillo Hidalgo, Fort on Santa Lucia hill, Santiago, Chile
Castillo Hidalgo sits at the top of Santa Lucia Hill with stone walls and bastions that command views across Santiago. The fortress features multiple pathways that connect different observation points overlooking the city and surrounding landscape.
The site was originally built as Bateria Santa Lucia in 1816 under Governor Casimiro Marco del Pont to defend the city. It served as part of the colonial defense system protecting Santiago from potential external threats.
The fortress was converted into a history museum in 1874, first displaying colonial-era objects and later hosting the Museum of American Popular Art. The transition shows how the site evolved from military use to cultural preservation.
Reaching the fortress requires walking up the hill, with several resting areas and platforms available along the way. The paths are clearly marked, though the climb demands physical effort, especially during warmer months.
An electric railway operated between the hill base and the fortress from 1902 to 1910, also connecting to the Santa Lucia Theater. This innovative transport system reflected Santiago's modern infrastructure development during that era.
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