Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, situated in a fertile valley in the center of the country between the Andes and the coastal mountain range. Spanish conquistador «Pedro de Valdivia» founded it in 1541, naming it «Santiago de Nueva Extremadura» in honor of Saint James, the patron saint of Spain, whose feast day in the Catholic calendar coincided with the city's founding.
A Capital Ringed by Andean Peaks
Santiago is distinguished by its unique setting, ringed year-round by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the east, giving it a stunning natural backdrop rarely found in another capital city. The colonial «Plaza de Armas» sits at the heart of the old city, while the elevated «Cerro San Cristóbal» hill offers a panoramic view over the entire city and its surrounding mountain ranges.
- Ringed year-round by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes
- Plaza de Armas is the heart of the historic colonial city
- A main gateway to Chile's world-renowned wine-producing regions
- One of South America's safest and most economically developed capitals
Santiago today is a leading economic and financial hub in South America, known for its high quality of life and its blend of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers set against a majestic mountain backdrop.
