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.
We found some 19th-century mansions
and neoclassical homes.
We also found this interesting house on the corner of a narrow, quiet street with what we would call townhouses, but they called "continuous façades". This street fascinated me.
Each one had a different facade.
But, it is hit-and-miss which ones have been maintained and which ones have succumbed to neglect.
There are also small cafés, local shops and markets.
What I find the most interesting are the murals, or, Street Art. The are tied to Chile’s history and identity. I figured these people must have been icons in the neighbourhood.
Look closely at this one....
We caught the artist at work. Could it be a self portrait? Maybe?
Aboriginal messages.
Political messages.
This one caught my eye. The figures have ceramic tiles and sparkle in sunlight.
This is the side of the building. The lady was sitting on the doorstep, and, by happenchance, I assume, her outfit matches the building.
I like these bright ones.
Apparently the murals are changed frequently. They can be updated, painted over, or new ones created in response to current events.
This one is a favourite. I like the colours and I like that it is 3 stories tall, on a pretty building and contrasts well with the white.
John likes to think he's a rebel bohemian and blends into the community.
The jury is out.
4 comments:
I think with longer hair, a guitar and a more disheveled look, John would pass as bohemian, definitely has the gypsy wandering lifestyle.
Very interesting and colourful architecture. The orange sh*t even makes the street art of Santiago.
Gordon, you have a very good eye to pick up on the orange "leader" in the street art, I hadn't noticed that and had to go back and look. Good eye!
Gordon, I think John would need a long scruffy beard to go with the long hair (braided and in a ponytail). He'd need a new woman too.... LOL.
You both look great as you are and scruffy/disheveled is definitely not John's look.
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