Former National Congress

You’re now standing between two of Santiago’s most important landmarks: the former National Congress and the Palace of Justice. On your right is the old National Congress building, standing behind iron gates and lush gardens. It was founded in 1811, during Chile’s fight for independence. Back in the 16th century, this land belonged to the Jesuits, and the Church of the Society of Jesus stood where the gardens are today. In 1863, a devastating fire destroyed that church and severely damaged the original Congress building. The tragedy claimed many lives and led to the creation of Santiago’s first fire brigade and Chile’s first civic building in reinforced concrete—which is the one you see today. If you look in the garden, you’ll see a statue of the Virgin Mary, built in memory of the fire’s victims. Today, this building houses the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, and the Congressional Library. It’s been declared a national historic monument and remains a powerful symbol of Chilean democracy. Across from it is the Palace of Justice, home to Chile’s Supreme Court. Established under the 1823 constitution, it’s the country’s highest judicial authority and one of the oldest institutions of its kind still operating in Latin America, and even the world.