In a quiet corner of Santiago’s city centre is a neighbourhood decorated with landmarks reminiscent of two of Europe’s most architecturally impressive cities.
Tree-shaded cobblestone streets framed by imposing buildings, elegant townhouses and old streetlamps characterize the Barrio París-Londres neighborhood. Sit at a café and experience the European-style ambiance, said by many to resemble that of Paris and London. See landmarks that have played an important part in Chilean history and visit a museum dedicated to Andean colonial art.
Barrio París-Londres stands on what was once the orchard of the 16th-century San Francisco Church and Convent. After falling into economic trouble, the Franciscan order was forced to sell land to the state and private investors. Renowned architects, including Alberto Cruz Montt and Ricardo Larraín Bravo, were responsible for much of the architectural landscape. It features a mix of Renaissance, neoclassical, Baroque and colonial designs.
Two narrow, winding streets named Paris and Londres form the nucleus of the district. Admire palace-like buildings with stylish façades decorated with balustrades, columns, capitals and pilasters, among other aspects. Luminaries, such as Chile’s first president and artist Nemesio Antúnez, lived here.
One of the most notable sights is Londres 38. Once the headquarters of the Socialist Party of Chile, the building was seized during the military coup of 1973 and used as a secret torture center during the reign of Pinochet. Outside, plaques commemorate the political activists that lost their lives and were held captive here. The house is open to the public and guided tours are available by prior reservation.
Experience the neighborhood’s charm from the outdoor seating area of a café. Order a coffee and a pastry and feel like you have been transported back to typical street scene from 1920s Paris. If you have time, pay a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Colonial Art, attached to the San Francisco Church. Browse an important collection of colonial art and artifacts, including paintings of St. Francis of Assisi, religious icons, gold, silver and wrought-iron work.
Barrio París-Londres is about a 15-minute walk south of Santiago’s central Plaza de Armas. The closest metro stations to the neighborhood are Universidad de Chile and Santa Lucía.
