Santiago
Today, we're going to take a look at a city of 6 million and a key economic center - Santiago. Since it's founding in 1541, it's grown rapidly and is home to one of the continent's most impressive skylines as well. Let's see what the city has to offer in today's update.
Santiago is Chile's capital and largest city. Sitting in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, this city of nearly 6 million is the cultural, political, and financial hub of the country. Since its founding in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, it's grown greatly over the centuries to become one of Latin America's most important and influential cities. With modern landmarks like the Gran Torre Santiago, iconic historical buildings like the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, and plenty of plazas and parks in between - there's lots that you'll want to check out here. Let's check out some of these amazing sights and more in today's update.
After exploring The Pampas in our previous update - we take the Pan-American highway through the Andes Mountains and reach the city's outskirts, which offer some great sights of Santiago and the Andes. During wintertime, fresh snowfall covers the top of these towering peaks, making for an extraordinary view.
Upon completion in 2013, the 984 foot tall Gran Torre Santiago became Latin America's tallest skyscraper and a symbol of an emerging modern Chile.
Another one of the city's most notable skyscrapers is the curved Edificio Banmedica. Since its construction in 1996, this 295 foot tall building has become a recognizable sight along the busy Apoquindo Avenue.
Although the city's core is filled with impressive historical architecture and modern high-rises - most of the city's residents live in more modest suburbs and neighborhoods that sprawl out along the base of the Andes Mountains. Here we see a typical view from one of Santiago's neighborhoods.
We head back into the heart of the city for our next couple of scenes - Downtown Santiago is the vibrant, historical center of the city and is home to a unique blend of historical and modern architecture.
Since Santiago's founding in 1541, the city's main square has been the bustling Plaza de Armas. This historic plaza is surrounded by a number of the city's most iconic buildings - including the impressive Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral - and has been an important meeting place and transportation center for centuries. Here we see a scene from the late 1800s when the square was packed with people and horse-drawn carriages.
And now, a look at the Plaza de Armas in current times - a modern skyscraper now overlooks the plaza with much of the historic architecture surrounding it getting razed, taxis have replaced the old horse-drawn carriages, and a lush plaza now sits at the heart of the square.
Our tour of Santiago will conclude with one more look over the metropolitan area from above, with the majestic Andes, surrounding farmland, and sprawling suburbs now in full view.
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-korver
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