Santa Lucía Hill, Santiago (must see)

Santa Lucia Hill is 629 meters (2,064 feet) above sea level and 69 meters (226 feet) above the local area. This unique hill is the remainder of a 15 million-year-old volcano.

The hill was originally called Huelén in pre-colonial times. In 1541, Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia claimed the hill for the Spanish and named the hill Santa Lucia. Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago from Santa Lucia, making this hill an important historical site. During Santiago's early days, missionaries used the hill to pray and worship.

In the early 1800s, Manuel Olaguer Feliú, a Spanish military engineer, built two forts on the hill. Castillo Hidalgo was built in 1820, and the fort is open to the public. Today, the site is home to an enormous park. A series of stone steps lead visitors to the top for an incredible view. The climb may be challenging, especially on a hot day.

The steep steps twist their way past terraces, trees, statues, fountains, and gardens that have been erected over the centuries. Each terrace allows visitors to rest before continuing. Don't miss the beautiful Neptune Fountain.

In 1849, United States Naval Officer James Melville Gilliss founded an American observatory on the hill. Gilliss sought to measure the solar parallax precisely. Chile purchased the equipment and formed Chile's first National Astronomical Observatory on the site.

Traditionally, an 1824 cannon is fired every day to mark the noon hour.

Why You Should Visit:
Santa Lucia Hill marks the site of Santiago's founding and is now a beautiful park in the middle of the city. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, discover the history of Santa Lucia, and enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of the hill.

Tips:
Visit on a clear weekend day. On the weekends, there is less traffic, and the air is often clearer with less smog. The clearer the air, the better your view of the mountains.