Last updated on December 20, 2023.

Across Alameda from Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago, Chile, is Plaza Bulnes. It’s easily noticeable thanks to the massive Chilean flag that flies there.

Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Plaza Bulnes

The plaza was a center of controversy for years beginning in 1975, when Augusto Pinochet placed the Eternal Flame of Liberty there. Many people tried to put out the flame but it wasn’t permanently extinguished until 2005 during renovations.

Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Plaza Bulnes

 

Monuments

A few monuments are located in the plaza. One of them depicts Manuel Bulnes, a Chilean military leader and two time president of Chile, on his horse.

Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Manuel Bulnes monument
Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Monument on Plaza Bulnes

 

Tomb of Bernardo O’Higgins

The tomb of Bernardo O’Higgins, one of the founding fathers of Chile, is located at the plaza. His remains were moved there by Pinochet in 1979. Unfortunately, the tomb was closed for renovation during my visits.

Tomb of Bernardo O'Higgins at Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Tomb of Bernardo O’Higgins

 

Paseo Bulnes

The plaza turns into a pedestrian street that runs for several blocks, Paseo Bulnes. It’s lined with cafés and restaurants. It was developed in 1939 with the purpose of creating a government district around La Moneda.

Paseo Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Paseo Bulnes

 

Military Ceremony

On the day of my visit to Palacio de La Moneda, I was able to watch a military ceremony for the raising of the Chilean flag. There were soldiers from different branches of the military as well as carabineros.

Flag ceremony at Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Flag ceremony
Flag ceremony at Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Soldiers participating in the flag ceremony
Flag ceremony at Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Soldiers participating in the flag ceremony

Some police vehicles were also on display.

Flag ceremony at Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Police car
Flag ceremony at Plaza Bulnes in Santiago de Chile
Helicopter

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

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