Santiago history

The history of Santiago is a journey from a small colonial outpost to one of the largest metropolises in South America. Founded at the foot of the majestic Andes, the city has become the heart of Chile and the guardian of a rich historical heritage.

Foundation and First Mentions

• The city was founded on 12 February 1541 by the Spanish conquistador and first Royal Governor of Chile, Pedro de Valdivia.
• The original name — Santiago de Nueva Extremadura — was given in honour of Saint James (Santiago), the patron saint of Spain, and the region of Extremadura, the founder's birthplace.
• The location for the future city was chosen on the site of a former Inca settlement in the fertile valley of the Mapocho River, at the foot of Santa Lucía Hill.
• The planning was executed according to the classic "chessboard" grid scheme with a central square, the Plaza de Armas (Square of Arms), around which key administrative buildings were situated.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Geography: The strategic location in the central valley, protected by the Andes to the east and the Coastal Range to the west, provided natural defence and favourable living conditions. Proximity to the Mapocho River guaranteed a water supply.
• Political Power: From the very beginning, Santiago was conceived as the administrative centre of Spanish possessions. In 1778, it became the capital of the Captaincy General of Chile, and after the declaration of independence in 1818, the official capital of the country.
• Economic Growth: Despite frequent earthquakes and attacks by indigenous peoples in the early period, by the 19th century, the city began to develop rapidly. This was facilitated by successes in the mining industry and the construction of the railway, which reached the city in 1857.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• Life in the colonial city was centred around the Plaza de Armas, where the Governor's house, the cathedral, and the prison were located.
• Early history was marked by numerous trials: devastating earthquakes, floods, and epidemics.
• A popular uprising that began in Santiago on 14 July 1810 marked the beginning of the Chilean War of Independence from Spanish rule.
• Key objects of colonial architecture included the stone Metropolitan Cathedral, construction of which began in 1561, and the bridge over the Mapocho River, opened in 1798.

Chronology of Santiago's History

From a modest settlement to a bustling metropolis, the history of Santiago is full of dramatic events, periods of growth, and transformations. Below are the key dates reflecting the main milestones in the development of the Chilean capital.

• 12 February 1541 — Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia officially founds the city under the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura in the Mapocho River valley.
• 11 September 1541 — Just a few months after its founding, the city was almost completely destroyed as a result of an attack by the indigenous Mapuche people.
• 13 May 1647 — A powerful earthquake, known as the "Magno Terremoto", destroyed much of the city and claimed the lives of a significant part of its population.
• 18 September 1810 — The First Government Junta is formed in Santiago, marking the beginning of the Chilean War of Independence from Spain.
• 12 February 1818 — After victory in the War of Independence, Santiago is officially proclaimed the capital of the Republic of Chile.
• 1842 — The University of Chile is founded, becoming the country's leading educational and scientific centre.
• 1857 — The railway arrives in the city, significantly accelerating its economic development and connection with the port of Valparaíso.
• 1872 — A large-scale transformation of Santa Lucía Hill begins under the leadership of Mayor Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna, turning it into a public park.
• 1960 — The Great Chilean Earthquake, the strongest in recorded history, although centred further south, caused damage to the capital as well.
• 15 September 1975 — The first line of the Santiago Metro opens, marking an important step in the modernisation of the urban transport system.
• 27 February 2010 — The city experiences one of the strongest earthquakes in its history, which leads to destruction but also demonstrates the resilience of modern construction.
• 2014 — Construction of the Gran Torre Santiago skyscraper is completed, becoming the tallest building in Latin America and a symbol of modern Santiago.

Key Milestones in Santiago's Development

From a colonial centre to a modern metropolis, Santiago has undergone a long journey of transformation. Key stages of its development reflect economic, social, and cultural changes throughout Chile.

• Capital of an Independent Republic (1818). After the War of Independence, Santiago was officially declared the capital of Chile. This status cemented its role as the country's main political and administrative centre, which became the starting point for future growth.
• Era of Urban Improvement (Mid-19th Century). Influenced by European fashion, the city began to actively transform. During this period, the University of Chile was founded (1842), Quinta Normal Park was laid out, and the Municipal Theatre was built (1857). These changes shaped the new cultural appearance of the capital.
• Industrial and Railway Boom (Late 19th Century). The construction of the railway connecting Santiago with the port of Valparaíso gave a powerful impetus to economic development. Investment flowed into the city, industrial enterprises began to appear, leading to rapid population growth.
• Urban Reforms for the Centenary of Independence (1910). The celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chile's independence served as an occasion for large-scale urban reconstruction. Landmark buildings were erected, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Library, and Parque Forestal was laid out, giving the city a monumental look.
• Metro Construction and Urbanisation (1970s). In response to rapid population growth and to solve transport problems, construction of the metro began in 1969. The opening of the first line in 1975 became a crucial step in modernising urban infrastructure and connecting the sprawling districts of the city.
• "Sanhattan" Financial Centre (1980s – 1990s). As a result of economic reforms, a construction boom began in Santiago. A modern business district appeared, unofficially named "Sanhattan" due to the abundance of skyscrapers. The city established itself as one of the leading financial centres in Latin America.
• Modern Metropolis (21st Century). Today, Santiago continues to develop as a global city. The tallest skyscraper in South America, Gran Torre Santiago, was built here. The metro network is actively expanding, and new cultural spaces are appearing, making the capital even more attractive for living and tourism.

The architectural appearance of Santiago is an eclectic canvas on which every historical period has left its unique mark. From austere colonial structures to gleaming skyscrapers, the urban landscape tells the story of the capital of Chile and its transformations.

Colonial Heritage and Neoclassicism (16th–19th Centuries)

The urban development of Santiago began with the classic Spanish street grid, the centre of which became the Plaza de Armas. Early architecture was utilitarian in nature but eventually became enriched with elements of European styles. Due to frequent earthquakes, many original buildings have not survived, but landmark structures of this era continue to define the look of the historical centre.

• Spanish Baroque: A striking representative of this style is the Metropolitan Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas. Its current appearance began to take shape in the mid-18th century and combines monumentality with rich decoration.
• Neoclassicism: With the arrival of Enlightenment ideas, strict and elegant Neoclassicism prevailed in architecture. The prime example is the presidential palace La Moneda (1805), originally built as a mint. Its symmetrical façade and restrained decor became a symbol of the new republican era.

European Influence and Republican Chic (19th – Early 20th Centuries)

After gaining independence, Chile sought to emulate Europe, which was reflected in the capital's architecture. Spanish influence was replaced by the French school, particularly the Beaux-Arts style. This period is characterised by the construction of luxurious public buildings, theatres, and museums designed to emphasise the status of a prosperous nation.

• Municipal Theatre of Santiago (1857) — a textbook example of French Neoclassicism that became the centre of the city's cultural life.
• National Museum of Fine Arts (1910) and the former Estación Mapocho railway station — magnificent examples of the Beaux-Arts style, built for the country's independence centenary.

Modernism and Contemporary Skyscrapers (20th–21st Centuries)

The 20th century brought ideas of Modernism and Functionalism to Santiago. Architects began experimenting with new materials such as concrete and glass, creating buildings with clean lines and without excessive decoration. One of the landmark objects of this period is the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC/CEPAL) building, designed under the influence of Le Corbusier's ideas.

Since the end of the 20th century, a construction boom began that formed the modern business district known as "Sanhattan". Its skyline is defined by skyscrapers of glass and steel, symbolising Santiago's status as one of the leading financial centres of South America. The crown jewel of modern architecture is the Gran Torre Santiago — the tallest building on the continent, which has become a new symbol of the city. All modern development is designed taking into account the region's high seismic activity, making it not only spectacular but also safe.

Notable Figures Associated with Santiago

The history of Santiago is inextricably linked with the names of many prominent politicians, cultural figures, and reformers who left an indelible mark on the life of the city and the entire country.

Pedro de Valdivia (1497–1553)

Spanish conquistador and founder of the city. It was he who, on 12 February 1541, established the city of Santiago de Nueva Extremadura, choosing a strategically important location for it in the Mapocho River valley. His role as the founder is fundamental to the entire history of the capital.

Bernardo O’Higgins (1778–1842)

One of the founding fathers of Chile and its first Supreme Director. A key figure in the War of Independence from Spain. His rule was centred in Santiago, where he laid the foundations of statehood, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1818, and carried out important reforms, including the establishment of public schools.

Andrés Bello (1781–1865)

Distinguished humanist, poet, jurist, and educator. Although born in Venezuela, his contribution to the cultural and educational life of Chile is immense. In 1842, he founded the University of Chile in Santiago, becoming its first rector and turning the city into the country's main scientific centre.

Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna (1831–1886)

Historian, writer, and politician who served as the Intendant (Mayor) of Santiago. In the 1870s, he initiated a large-scale city improvement programme, the most famous result of which was the transformation of the rocky Santa Lucía Hill into a picturesque public park, which remains one of the capital's landmarks today.

Gabriela Mistral (1889–1957)

Poet, educator, and diplomat. The first Latin American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1945. Although she travelled extensively, her life and work are closely connected with Chile, and her legacy is honoured in the cultural circles of Santiago, where she once directed a lyceum.

Pablo Neruda (1904–1973)

World-renowned poet and 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate. One of his three house-museums, "La Chascona", is located in the artistic Bellavista district in Santiago. This house, like his work, is an integral part of the city's cultural landscape.

Salvador Allende (1908–1973)

Physician and politician, President of Chile from 1970 to 1973. His rule and tragic death during the military coup on 11 September 1973 at the presidential palace of La Moneda in Santiago became one of the most significant and dramatic events in modern Chilean history.

Víctor Jara (1932–1973)

Theatre director, poet, singer, and political activist. One of the brightest representatives of the "Nueva Canción Chilena" (New Chilean Song) movement. After the 1973 military coup, he was arrested, tortured, and killed at the Chile Stadium in Santiago, becoming a symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice.