Plaza de Armas, Santiago

This beautiful plaza traces back to Pedro de Valdivia and the year 1541, and constitutes the center of Santiago. In that era there was a protected area in the middle of the settlement for guarding the arms. Its name was taken from the military and has been called that ever since. All distances in the country are measured from this spot today. The beautiful surroundings of the park hold the history of the country, represented by important buildings such as the Real Audiencia and the Home of the Governors of Chile. The city's Cathedral is located on one side of the Plaza. It also holds the equestrian statue of Pedro de Valdivia, founder of Santiago.