Sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill

The Sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill holds a white statue of the Virgin Mary mounted on a tall pedestal that contains a chapel for prayer and ceremonies. The hill rises above Santiago and is surrounded by a large park with walking paths and viewpoints.

The hill was known to indigenous peoples as Tupahue, meaning Place of God in the Mapuche language, long before Spanish colonizers arrived. The sanctuary was established in the 1900s to house the statue and became a destination for religious devotion.

The shrine serves as a gathering place for Catholic Mass, pilgrimages, and religious ceremonies that draw thousands of believers throughout the year. People come here to pray together and participate in important church celebrations marking the calendar.

Visitors can walk up the hill, take the funicular railway, or ride the cable car, offering options depending on fitness and time available. The park is open during daylight hours and pathways are well-marked with rest areas along the way.

The massive statue weighs about 36 tons and was specially built to house a small chapel inside its structure. This hidden space was used by Pope John Paul II during his 1987 visit to pray and bless the city.