The square was constructed in the 1930s following the architectural modernization of the civic district.
The statue of Salvador Allende was unveiled in 2000, 27 years after his death during the 1973 military coup.
The site hosts the ceremonial Changing of the Guard, which involves the Carabineros de Chile.
Large underground spaces beneath the plaza were originally designed as parking and expanded into cultural facilities.
The square is flanked by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.
Plaza de la Constitución serves as the primary civic square fronting the La Moneda Palace, the seat of the Chilean presidency. The square is defined by its wide, paved layout and surrounding modernist and colonial government architecture. It features statues of former Chilean presidents including Arturo Alessandri, Pedro Aguirre Cerda, and Salvador Allende. An underground cultural center, the Centro Cultural La Moneda, sits directly beneath the square's surface. The site is a focal point for official state ceremonies and official arrivals of visiting heads of state. The square sits at the intersection of executive power and public life in central Santiago.
The center of the square looking toward the main entrance of La Moneda Palace.
Visit during the changing of the guard ceremony to observe the traditional military pageantry.
Access the underground cultural center directly from the plaza to view rotating art exhibitions.
Be aware that the square is often cordoned off during high-level diplomatic arrivals.
Do not attempt to cross security barriers placed during official ceremonies or protests.
Maintain respectful behavior as this is an active government administrative zone.
