Santiago de Chile — a view of the city with the Andes mountain range in the background

I’m bringing the South American photo album to a close this week with a final group of postcards and one photograph highlighting the cities of Santiago, Valparaiso, and Viña del Mar in central Chile. Although I’ve never been to South America, I’ve long been fascinated by the beauty, culture, and history of Chile in particular; and these images have only increased my admiration.

A vineyard near Santiago

Santiago’s Neptune Fountain, Santa Lucia Hill

Above, the Casa Colorada Museum (top left), former National Congress building (top right), and La Moneda Palace (center). Casa Colorada dates from 1769 and has been a national monument since 1977. It was heavily damaged during a 2010 earthquake and has been closed for extensive repairs ever since. The National Congress building (constructed between 1858 and 1876), was the home of the Chilean Congress until the 1973 coup d’etat which overthrew Salvador Allende. It was declared a national monument in 1976. La Moneda Palace first opened in 1805 as a colonial mint. It now holds the office of the Chilean president as well as three cabinet ministers. During the military takeover in 1973 the palace was damaged by rocket and cannon fire; repairs of the damage were completed in 1981.

University of Chile underground station, Santiago. Murals are by local artist Mario Toral

Different views of the city

View of Viña del Mar from the Sausalito Hills

Views of Valparaiso, one of Chile’s major ports