Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral

In most cathedrals, you want to look up. They were designed that way so that you’d look to the heavens.

And in Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral, there’s plenty to see looking up. Its Baroque decoration rivals anything in Europe. There are ornate frescos on the ceiling, chandeliers, and gilded columns.

But it’s also rewarding looking down. It’s not just plain, worn stone here. Instead, there are intricately black and white patterns made of thousands of small tiles.

The crypt below the main floor is very different. It’s starkly plain. The austerity seems fitting.

The Metropolitan Cathedral stands on the northwest corner of the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago. Its two towers once stood tall when they were added in 1800 (the rest of the church was constructed a half-century earlier). Now they’re dwarfed by the modern office buildings next to it. Outside, children play in the fountain. Bands play in the bandstand. And people enjoy the warm Santiago sun.

Photos of Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral

More About the Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago

The Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago, located in Santiago, Chile, is an important religious and historical site. It is nestled in the bustling Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square, and stands as a prominent example of colonial architecture in Chile.

The cathedral’s construction began in 1748 under the direction of the Italian architect Joaquín Toesca and was completed in 1800. This neoclassical structure features a façade composed of two bell towers and a central nave, reflecting the influence of European architectural styles. Inside, the cathedral houses a rich collection of religious art, including a high altar made of Italian marble.

The cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Santiago and the administrative center for the Roman Catholic Church in Chile. Over the centuries, it has played a critical role in the country’s religious and social history. It has witnessed numerous significant events, including masses, weddings, and funerals for notable Chilean figures.

The cathedral is renowned for its stunning acoustics, which enhance the sounds of the cathedral’s organ, one of the largest in South America. This instrument, built in 1857 by the Walcker Company of Germany, is composed of around 5000 pipes.

In addition to its religious significance, the Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago is recognized as a national monument, underlining its historical and architectural importance. Its enduring presence serves as a testament to Santiago’s colonial past and its ongoing religious traditions.

Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile