History

In the 18th century, Chile's economy was not good, and the Santiago Municipal Council applied to the King of Spain to set up a mint. The task fell on the Spanish businessman Don Francisco García Vidobro, who bought the "Old Palace" and minted the first gold coin with the head of Fernando VI in 1749. ​

After García Vidobro's death, the mint moved. In 1780, due to the insufficiency of the original facilities, the Governor of Chile proposed to build a new building, which was responsible for the Italian architect Joaquin Tosca Ricci. The project started in 1784, and the materials came from many places. Tosca died in 1799 and Augustin Caballero took over. In 1805, the Governor General of Chile unveiled the Santiago Mint, which was not yet fully completed. The building adopts neoclassical style, influenced by the Roman Doric style, presents horizontal volume, and the lines convey strength and stability. It is praised as an excellent civil building in colonial America. ​

In 1846, at the request of the president, it was transformed into the presidential palace and the seat of government, and the coinage work continued until 1922. After that, several presidents renovated it, and the surrounding environment was reshaped from 1930. The palace was severely damaged in the military coup in 1973. In 1981, the public works department completed the restoration and restored Tosca's design concept. Today, La Moneda Palace is deeply respected by the Chilean people because of its history.

Architectural Beauty

The main facade of La Moneda Palace faces Moneda Street, and the neoclassical style is prominent. The simple and majestic lines and regular layout show rationality and order. Thick walls and tall columns bring visual impact and tell the heavy history of Chile. ​

The rooms inside the palace are distributed along the vertical and horizontal axes, forming multiple courtyards, which bring sufficient light to the palace and create a peaceful atmosphere. The courtyards are scattered with flowers, plants and trees, like a quiet oasis in the bustling city. ​

The interior furnishings are rich and solemn, and they still have a classical charm after years. The ceiling is exquisitely carved, the wooden doors and windows are delicate, and the historical paintings and portraits on the walls tell the past of Chile, allowing visitors to understand the development of the country.

Visit Guide

Opening Hours and Tickets ​

La Moneda Palace is open all year round. The best time to visit is to avoid major local holidays and political activities to ensure a smooth visit. Some areas of the palace are open to the public free of charge. Visitors can freely visit the exterior, courtyards and some public spaces of the palace to experience its unique atmosphere. If you want to visit specific exhibition halls and historical rooms inside the palace in depth, you need to make an appointment for a paid visit time on the official website in advance. The fee is usually reasonable. The specific amount can be checked on the official website for the latest information. After the reservation is successful, please be sure to go at the designated time to avoid missing the opportunity to visit.​

Transportation Guide​

No matter where you start in Santiago, it is very convenient to get to La Moneda Palace. If you choose public transportation, you can take the metro to Moneda metro station and walk to the palace in a few minutes. In addition, many bus routes also pass by the palace. You can enter the destination "La Moneda Palace" on the Santiago Bus Inquiry Platform or related apps to get specific bus routes and station information. If you choose to take a taxi, tell the driver "La Moneda Palace" and the driver will take you directly there. ​

Recommended Tour Route​

Start from Constitution Square and head north to start your journey to La Moneda Palace. The first thing that catches your eye is the majestic appearance of the palace. You can stop here to appreciate the overall style of the building and take panoramic photos. After entering the palace, walk along the main passage and visit each courtyard in turn to experience the unique atmosphere and architectural features of each courtyard. Afterwards, go to the open exhibition hall inside the palace to learn about Chile's political history, important events, and the changes of La Moneda Palace. During the visit, pay attention to the official audio guide (if available), or rent an explanation device, which will allow you to have a deeper understanding of what you see and hear. After the visit, you can leave from the exit on the other side of the palace and go to the surrounding park or cafe to take a break and recall the historical and cultural feast just now. ​

Visit Notes​

When visiting La Moneda Palace, please be sure to abide by the relevant regulations. Keep quiet and avoid making loud noises to avoid affecting other tourists and staff. It is strictly forbidden to touch the exhibits, architectural structures and decorations in the palace, and cherish this precious historical and cultural heritage. Be careful to turn off the flash when taking pictures. Some special exhibition halls may prohibit taking pictures. Please pay attention to the on-site signs. In addition, you should dress appropriately and avoid wearing overly revealing or strange clothes to express respect for this solemn place.

La Moneda Palace, a palace that combines history, culture and architectural art, is waiting for every tourist to come and appreciate it. Get ready to start an unforgettable historical and cultural journey in La Moneda Palace!