Palacio de La Moneda is the seat of Chile’s government and the building that sums up the country’s modern history. It was designed in the late 18th century by the Italian architect Joaquín Toesca as the colonial mint, which is where the name comes from, and later became the presidential palace. On 11 September 1973 it was bombed by the air force during the military coup in which President Salvador Allende died, and a statue of Allende now stands on the Plaza de la Constitución in front of it. The long white neoclassical facade is impressive from the square, but the best way to see it is from inside. The presidency runs free guided visits all year, with online registration, taking small groups through the courtyards and state rooms. Beneath the Plaza de la Ciudadanía on the south side, the Centro Cultural La Moneda is an underground arts centre with exhibitions throughout the year, a cinema and a shop.
How it works: palace visits are free but must be booked in advance on the presidency’s heritage visits site. You sign in with an email address, choose a date with spaces, add the details of anyone travelling with you and wait for an email confirming your place. Bring the passport or ID you registered with. On the Día de los Patrimonios each May, the palace opens more widely.
What to expect: the guided route crosses the Patio de los Cañones and the Patio de los Naranjos and visits some of the formal halls, with guides explaining both the colonial mint and the events of 1973. Security is tight, as this is a working government building, and some areas may close at short notice for official events. The changing of the guard by the Carabineros on the Plaza de la Constitución is a popular free spectacle; check current days and times locally.
Making the most of it: register as soon as your dates are fixed, since spaces are limited. Combine the visit with the Centro Cultural La Moneda below the square and the Precolombino Museum a short walk north.
What to expect
The experience
A free guided tour of Chile’s working presidential palace, booked online in advance, plus the underground cultural centre beneath the square.
Best time
A weekday visit booked well ahead, combined with a morning in the historic centre.
How long
About an hour for the palace tour, longer if you add the Centro Cultural La Moneda.
Tips
Register early, bring the ID you used to book, and expect airport-style security at the entrance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers interested in Chile’s democracy, the 1973 coup and the country’s recent history.
- Families
- Teenagers with an interest in history will get the most from it; the guard ceremony suits all ages.
- Couples
- Add an exhibition at the cultural centre and a coffee in the old centre afterwards.
- Pair with
- The Museum of Memory and Human Rights for a deeper look at the dictatorship years.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Can tourists visit La Moneda?+
Yes, the presidency offers free guided visits throughout the year. You must register online in advance and wait for an email confirming your place.
How do I register for a visit?+
Use the official heritage visits site, sign in with an email address, choose a date and add anyone travelling with you. Confirmation arrives by email.
Why is it called La Moneda?+
The building was designed in the late 18th century as the colonial mint, or casa de moneda. It later became the seat of the presidency.
What happened at La Moneda in 1973?+
During the military coup of 11 September 1973 the palace was bombed, and President Salvador Allende died inside. A statue of Allende stands on the square in front.
What is the Centro Cultural La Moneda?+
It is an underground arts centre beneath the square on the south side of the palace. It hosts exhibitions throughout the year and has a cinema and shop.