Attraction
Cerro San Cristóbal (Parque Metropolitano)
Santiago's largest public park covers the slopes of San Cristóbal hill, with a 1925 funicular, a cable car, gardens, pools and a giant Virgin statue at…
Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago
The neoclassical cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, begun in 1748 and completed in 1906, with three naves, a 1754 Jesuit organ and the crypt of Santiago's archbishops.
At a glance
- Type
- Cathedral
- Area
- Santiago Centro, Santiago, Chile
Good to know
- Sacred art museum
- Pipe organ
Why we recommend it
The Metropolitan Cathedral faces the Plaza de Armas and is the seat of Santiago's principal church ensemble alongside the Archbishop's Palace. Several earlier churches stood here and were lost to earthquakes in 1647 and 1657 and to a fire in 1769. The present building was begun on 1 July 1748 to plans by the Bavarian Jesuits Pedro Vogl and Juan Hagen. From 1779 the Italian architect Joaquín Toesca, who also designed La Moneda, took charge, redrew the plans and gave the building its neoclassical character. Around 1898 Ignacio Cremonesi was brought in to finish the job, adding the two towers on the facade, and the remodelled church was consecrated on 5 May 1906.
The cathedral is large, about 100 metres long and 45 metres wide, and the three-nave interior feels calm after the noise of the square. Cremonesi replaced the old wooden coffered ceiling with a painted sky. Look for the marble ciborium over the old high altar, made in Munich in 1912; the wooden image of the Assumption, the cathedral's patron, in the apse; and the side altars dedicated to Chilean saints including Alberto Hurtado and Teresa of the Andes. The organ built in 1754 by German Jesuits at Calera de Tango is still in use. The tomb of the Carrera brothers, heroes of independence, and a monument to the soldiers who died at the Battle of La Concepción are also inside.
Beneath the presbytery is the crypt of Santiago's archbishops and bishops, remodelled in 2005, and the statesman Diego Portales is buried behind the old high altar. The cathedral also houses a Museum of Sacred Art with silverwork, antique furniture and works of art from various religious orders.
This is a working church, so dress respectfully, keep voices low and avoid wandering during Mass. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for a look around, or longer if the museum is open. The cathedral forms an ensemble with the Archbishop's Palace and the Parroquia del Sagrario next door, all national monuments.
Plaza de Armas metro station is under the square outside. Combine a visit with the National History Museum in the Palacio de la Real Audiencia on the same square and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum one block away on Bandera.
Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago FAQs
Is it a working church?
Yes, Mass is celebrated here, so visitors should be respectful during services.
When was it built?
Work began on 1 July 1748 and the remodelled church was consecrated on 5 May 1906.
Who designed it?
Original plans were by the Jesuits Pedro Vogl and Juan Hagen, then Joaquín Toesca from 1779, with towers added by Ignacio Cremonesi.
Is there a museum?
Yes, the Museum of Sacred Art inside the cathedral holds silverwork, furniture and religious art.
Who is buried there?
Archbishops and bishops of Santiago lie in the crypt, Diego Portales behind the old high altar, and the Carrera brothers have a tomb inside.
Is there a dress code?
It is a place of worship, so dress modestly and be quiet during services.
How long does a visit take?
Around 20 to 30 minutes, or longer with the museum.
How do I get there?
Plaza de Armas metro station is under the square in front of the cathedral.