CHILE: Santiago's Old and New

I have to confess, I like old classical buildings where master craftsmen have added intricate details that have stories to tell.

I find them intriguing and thought provoking while I look for the stories within the stories.

And I also really like when the old and new buildings are side by side comparing how craftsmanship, styles and details have changed.

So this is a post on random buildings in Santiago – the old and the new.

But more emphasis on the the old.

CHILE: Santiago's Barrio Yungay

One of Santiago’s most historic and character-filled neighborhoods is Barrio Yungay.

The neighbourhood was established in 1839 to celebrate Chile’s victory in the Battle of Yungay.

It was also one of the first planned residential neighborhoods for Santiago’s elite.

Over time it transitioned into a mixed working and middle-class area.

Today, it’s a Bohemian neighbourhood recognized as a “Zona Típica” (heritage district), preserving its historical character.

We chose it as a destination for a Sunday walk and created our own self-guided walking tour of discovery.