La Moneda Palace is the most famous and elegant building in Santiago. It is impossible to get past it. Some people think it looks like the White House in the United States, others –like the magnificent mansions of European Renaissance rulers. Some even argue that La Moneda is still the only building in Latin America that belongs to Italian neoclassical architecture. Anyway, this building has been the official residence of the Chilean President for almost a century, since 1930, although it was originally built for entirely different purposes. Also, today, it houses the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior, the secretariats of the Government and the Leader of State.

La Moneda was built in 1784-1805 for the Mint. Indeed, this fact gave the palace its present name. After 40 years, the Head of State Manuel Bulnes decided to convert a part of the building into his office. But the minting of coins continued here until this place was declared the official residence of the President under Gabriel González Videla. The Mint was moved, and since then, the purpose of the building has not changed.

During the years of its existence, La Moneda Palace has been restored and reconstructed several times. The most significant change occurred in the second half of the 20th century after the military coup. The building was damaged by the bombing and partially destroyed. Over time, it was rebuilt, but with a significant change – they added a large bunker for the president, his cronies, and the staff of the palace.

In 2003, La Moneda was opened to visitors. During a tour of the palace, you can see the Blue Room – the President’s office. Visitors also have access to the Cabinet Hall, several modern offices, and the White Hall, where a portrait of Salvador Allende, the President of Chile who died in a military coup, hangs. Moreover, guests can also see the reconstruction of the office of a former state leader.

A few years ago, in honor of the bicentenary of Chile’s independence, Citizen’s Square appeared in front of La Moneda Palace, one of the city’s favorite public places. Here you can visit the monument to President Arturo Alessandri, and then go to the cultural center of the palace to visit some exhibitions and learn more about the history and culture of Chile.