La Chascona (Pablo Neruda House), Santiago (must see)

La Chascona, the home of Pablo Neruda, a celebrated Chilean poet, was built in 1953. Neruda and his future wife had used this property as a romantic getaway for years before they actually tied the knot. The house is located at Bellavista, at the foot of San Cristobal Hill.

It features a unique style, with one of its most outstanding features being the library with a wide collection of paintings from Chile and around the world, as well as the books that once belonged to the poet.

Replete with winding stairs, paths and bridges, La Chascona has a secret passageway and a bedroom at the top of the tower. Various collections of seashells, butterflies, wine glasses and many other different objects allow visitors a glimpse of romantic inspiration that was responsible for Neruda's poetic creations. Today the building is a house-museum and is open to public year round.

The property was vandalized after the coup of 1973 that overthrew president Salvador Allende, but Matilde, Pablo Neruda's wife, did her best to preserve the property and lived here until she passed away in 1985.

Why You Should Visit:
Very interesting mix of architecture and history of Neruda's life that will not leave you disappointed. The house itself can be both elegant and flamboyant at the same time, reflecting Neruda's unique tastes in furnishing and design. Besides, you get an interesting look not only at a brilliant creative human being but also a general overview of the 20th century with a little Communism, Socialism, gender equality, machismo, dictatorships and human rights all part and parcel...

Tip:
Take the tour with an audio device, as it is really essential for understanding the layout. Also, make sure to see the short movie before embarking on the tour – you won't be able to see it after.