Santiago Cathedral

Santiago Cathedral

Santiago Cathedral is the metropolitan cathedral of Santiago, the capital of Chile, and one of the country's principal centers of religious activity. It is located in the historic center of Santiago, directly facing the Plaza de Armas in the city center and adjacent to the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral Palace. The cathedral was designated as a Chilean cultural and historical heritage site in 1951.

The cathedral was originally built in 1748 and completed in 1800. In 1780, the then bishop recommended Spanish-born Roman architect Joaquín Toesca to the Spanish royal family to oversee the renovation of the façade of the cathedral and its chapels. The church was given a Neoclassical style, and its two bell towers were completed in late 1800, a year after Toesca's death, giving the cathedral its present appearance. The church has three arched galleries, each over 90 meters in length; the stone carvings inside, especially on the roof, are exquisitely crafted. The wooden statue of Saint Francis Borgia and the seventeenth-century silver lamps, each weighing over twenty kilograms, are particularly noteworthy; the depiction of The Last Supper in the sacristy is also highly recommended. The remains of all former Archbishops of Chile are preserved within the cathedral. On the south side of the cathedral is the Cathedral Museum, which features three exhibition halls displaying sacred objects, religious paintings, and more.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago

Must-visit reason: One of Santiago’s principal centers of religious activity

Continent: South America【South America】

Country/Region: Chile[Chile]

Province/State: Santiago Metropolitan Region [Santiago Metropolitan Region]

City: Santiago [Santiago]