Museo Histórico Nacional, Santiago is one of the famous museums in Santiago. Santiago city is The Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago is one of the loved tourist attractions in Santiago. The city is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Chile. Chile’s capital city was founded by the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia on February 12, 1541. In Spanish it is known as Santiago de Chile. When it was founded it was known as Santiago de Nueva Extremadura. The Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago is one of the important museums in Santiago.
The Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago is also known simply La Moneda which means Mint Palace in Spanish. This Chile tourist attraction is the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile. The palace also houses the offices of three cabinet ministers- Interior, General Secretariat of the Government and the General Secretariat of the Presidency. Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago is situated in the city center which is known as Barrio Cívico or Civic District.
The Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago was actually a colonial mint. This beautiful building was designed by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca. The construction of the building began in 1784 and opened before its completion in 1805. The mint produced coins for Chile from 1814 to 1929.
The palace became the seat of government and presidential residence under President Manuel Bulnes in June 1845. The public square Plaza de la Constitución or Constitution Square was built in front of the Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago in 1930. The palace ceased to be a presidential palace after the presidency of Gabriel González Videla. On September 11, 1973 the palace was partially destroyed by aerial bombing during the military coup d'etat.
While under assault by the armed forces during the coup, President Salvador Allende killed himself in the Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago. There are reconstruction and restoration projects in the palace which was completed March 11, 1981. You will still be able to see preserved bullet marks here. During the restoration period of 1973 – 80, an underground office complex was built.
The Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago is built in the neo classical style. President Ricardo Lagos opened the inner courtyards of the palace to the public. He also reopened the Morandé 80 which is a gate mainly used by presidents of Chile to enter the palace. It was through this gate that the body of President Allende was taken out.
This palace is very popular with tourists should include it in their Santiago tours.
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