Santiago commune, Administrative district in central Santiago, Chile
Santiago commune is an administrative district at the center of the Chilean capital, where government buildings stand beside modern office towers. Wide avenues cut through the area, linking plazas with parks and public institutions.
The founding occurred in 1541 when Spanish conquerors established the first permanent settlement in central Chile. Over the centuries, the settlement grew into the political center of the country and retained that role after independence.
Locals often refer to the area simply as "el centro," using it as shorthand for the administrative and business heart of the capital. The name Santiago honors Saint James, patron saint of Spain, reflecting the colonial roots still visible in some older street names.
The metro connects different parts of the district and runs throughout the day at frequent intervals. Sidewalks are mostly flat and wide enough to walk between major points on foot.
The district sits in a valley framed by the Andes to the east and a coastal range to the west. On clear days, snow-capped peaks appear directly behind the high-rises.
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