Independencia, commune of Chile
Independencia is a commune in north-central Santiago made up of mid-rise buildings without tall skyscrapers. Avenida Independencia runs north to south as the main street and stays busy, while small markets and shops throughout serve residents with daily goods.
The area began forming in the late 1700s as part of the Chimba neighborhood on the north side of the Mapocho River. In 1991 it became an independent commune after being separated from neighboring areas like Santiago, Conchalí, and Renca.
The name comes from February 13, 1818, when the liberating army entered Santiago after a military victory. Today, migrants from Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic shape daily life here, bringing their own languages, traditions, and shops to the streets.
The Santiago Metro connects the commune to the city center and other neighborhoods, while several bus lines run through the area. Walking and cycling are common ways to get around, with infrastructure relatively easy to navigate.
Santa Laura Stadium, opened in 1926, hosted Chile's first official soccer match in 1933. The Hipódromo Chile opened in 1906 and helped fuel rapid growth in the area.
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