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Right in the middle of the historic center of the city is Cerro Santa Lucía, the hill where Santiago was born in 1541. It’s now a park but was once a strategic defensive point for conquistador Pedro de Valdivia.

At the top of the hill is Castillo Hidalgo, once the main defensive position of the city. There are also lots of gardens with lookout points, small fountains, and benches in the shade. You can find some concession stands selling snacks and drinks. It’s a great place to come and relax.

 

Entrance

I walked into the park from Avenida Alameda and had to sign in with security. Before I went in, I noticed a mural just outside the entrance.

Mural at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Mural

 

Plaza Neptune

The columned archway surrounding a small garden at the entrance had a staircase leading up. Once up the stairs, the first thing I saw was Plaza Neptune, a beautiful fountain with a statue of Neptune.

Main entrance at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Main entrance
Plaza Neptune at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Plaza Neptune
Plaza Neptune at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Plaza Neptune

 

Next Level

To the left of the fountain were more stairs leading up. At this level, there was a small plaza with cannons and a monumental arch, and I could see the fountain below.

Monumental arch at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Monumental arch
Monumental arch at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Monumental arch
Cannon at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Cannon
View of Plaza Neptune at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
View of Plaza Neptune

 

Hermitage Chapel

Behind the arch were more stairs that led up to the small Hermitage Chapel (Capilla La Ermita). This is the tomb of former Santiago mayor Benjamín Vicuña MacKenna. He commissioned the park in 1872.

Capilla la Ermita at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Hermitage Chapel
Capilla la Ermita at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Hermitage Chapel

 

Observation Post

Following another path to another stairway, I went all the way up to an observation post at the very top of the hill. It was a small area and little cramped.

Lookout post at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Looking up to the observation post
Lookout post at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Observation post
Lookout post at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Observation post

The views from the observation post were amazing. I was able to see several landmarks in Santiago, such as the skyscrapers in Sanhattan and Cerro San Cristóbal.

View from the lookout post at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
View from the observation post
View from the lookout post at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
View from the observation post

 

Gardens

I spent a little time at one of the gardens below and got to see some more great views before I continued exploring the area around the hill.

Gardens at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Gardens
View of Santiago at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
View of Santiago
Garden at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Garden
Garden at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Garden

 

Castillo Hidalgo

Near the rear entrance of the hill is Castillo Hidalgo. It was built by Royalists during the Chilean War of Independence from 1814-17. Since 1997, it has been used as an event center.

Castillo Hidalgo at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Castillo Hidalgo
Castillo Hidalgo at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Castillo Hidalgo

 

Fountain

Finally, the rear entrance has a set of stairs that lead down to street level. An attractive fountain sits across the street.

Rear entrance at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Rear entrance
Fountain at the rear entrance at Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile
Fountain at the rear entrance

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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