Metropolitan Cathedral, Santiago

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The site for the cathedral of Santiago was nominated as far back as 1541. Construction of the current church was started in 1748 and it was consecrated in 1775. The facades were added in 1780 and by 1800 the towers were constructed. Over the years the cathredral was augmented and substantial remodelling was completed in 2005.

The Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most beautiful of the Spanish colonial cathedrals. I love the colour and the open-ness without being ovewhelmed by gold leaf.

Located prominently in the Plaza De Armas is La Catedral Metropolitana. It is interesting to note that the cathedral today is actually the fifth that has been built on or near the current location. The first work on a cathedral started back in 1584. That and subsequent cathedrals have been destroyed by fire and earthquakes.

When we visited Santiago the cathedral was not open to the public. We were disappointed because we were looking forward to visiting the ornate baroque and classical interior. Apparently its hours for visits have become more limited in recent years. Even though the cathedral was not open, to the site of the church were many people, mainly women, who had made a pilgrimage to the church from Northern Peru.

The Cathedral of Santiago was declared National Monument in 1951. Its location dates from the original layout of the city, ordered by Pedro de Valdivia and 1541. In 1745 the present temple begins and later Toesca changes to the facade imposing the classic and baroque style. Its two towers were constructed just by the end of XIX century. In this place rest the mortal remains of the first Chilean cardinal, Jose Maria Caro. The cathedral lodges in its interior the Museum of Sacred Art.

The west flank of the Square of Arms faces the buildings of the archbishopric and the Church Cathedral. It was the fifth church raised in the place. Initiated during the government of Ortiz de Rosas in 1748, the construction was directed by the architect Antonio Acuña, according to planes proposed by Bavarian Jesuits brothers of Calera de Tango. The Alday bishop presided over its consecration, in 1775. Only five years later, the priest entrusted to the Roman architect to the service of Spanish Corona, Joaquin Toesca, the execution of the facades of the Cathedral and the church of the Shrine. Toesca imposed the neoclassic style. The two towers were added by the end of the 1800. At that time, Archbishop Mariano Casanova made recover the interior of the temple by Italian architect resident Ignacio Cremonesi, author of the traveling idea to stucco the noble original stone and to paint the walls and pilasters with false imitations of marble.

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In 1586 the first cathedral of Santiago de Chile was built, but the church that you see here today dates back to 1748. Four other churches at this location have been destroyed by earthquakes and fire.

The Cathedral has an ornate baroque interior and a grand altar made of marble, bronze and lapis lazuli. It is open to visitors from 9am to 7pm every day except Sunday. Admission free.

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Santiago is prone to big earthquakes (those of 1647 and 1730 were particularly severe), and the Catedral Metropolitana actually is the fifth cathedral built on the same spot, its predecessors having sustained important seismic damage. Construction began in 1748 and it was completed in 1780. Although its neoclassical facade makes it look rather conventional, it is well worth going inside to take a look at the lavishly decorated nave and altar. Admission is free, and the Cathedral is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every day except Sunday (9:00 am to 12 noon).

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Dont miss to take a look inside the cathedral at Plaza de Armas, the main sqaure of Santiago. The cathedral has an ornate baroque interior, great frescos and paintings and is full of decorations all over, a wonderful mixture of marble, lapislazuli and bronze..
The cathedral is also a great place to cool down on a hot summerday.

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In 1586 the first cathedral of Santiago de Chile was built at this place but the church that you see at this place today dates back to the year 1748. 4 other churches at this place had been destroyed by earthquakes and fires.
Go inside and take a look at the nice baroque interior, its worth it and free of charge.

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The history of the Metropolitan Cathedral began with the church "Iglesia Mayor de Santiago", founded by the citie`s creator Pedro de Valdivia. It became after a few years Metropolitan Cathedral under the mandate of Pope Pius IV, who by his bull on June 27th1561, choose Santiago as seat of the new archidiozesis and the archbishop.
The cathedral is one of Santiagos main tourist attractions, due to its very special beauty and position on the westside of Plaza de Armas, infront of the beautiful green park, contrasting with the modern highrise buildings in a very special harmony.

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The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago we see today is the fifth such church to stand here on the Plaza des Armas. Four previous churches had been destroyed by fire and earthquake, and although this church was begun in 1748 and consecrated in 1775, it was not completed until the late 19th century when its towers were added. Its baroque interior features 3 long naves with barrel vaulting and there is some fine decoration, most notably the main altar of marble, bronze and lapis lazuli that came from Germany.
There is the inevitable museum – this one the Museo del Arte Sagrado (the Museum of Sacred Art) with yet more religious works on display, including some fine silver left behind by the Jesuits when they were forced to leave the country. Entry is free.
The entrance to the cathedral faces onto the Plaza, lovely in the Spring when the jacarandas are out . There are some great photos to be taken any time of year though of the reflection of the baroque curves of the old building in the glass walls of the modern city buildings in the street beside it.

Very impressive, with its big wood doors that goes to the Plaza de Armas. In its interior it has three ships, each one of them has its enchantment. When you observe the cathedral from the Plaza de Armas you will observed the contrast that in the side you have a totally modern building that reflex the church imagine

Muy impresionante, con sus grandes portones de madera que dan a la plaza de armas, En su interior tiene tres naves, cada una de ellas tiene su encanto. Cuando observas la catedral desde la plaza de armas si observaras el constaste de a su lado tienes un edificio totalmente moderno, que refleja la la imagen de la iglesia.