Plaza Baquedano

Plaza Baquedano
Old Picture of Plaza Baquedano in 1938

Plaza Baquedano is a major landmark in Santiago, Chile. The plaza was inaugurated in 1928, being crowned by a monument made by Chilean sculptor Virgínio Arias and featuring General Manuel Baquedano, giving the current name to the urban landmark. It is located where formerly the Mapocho River used to fork. The oval-shaped plaza is the focal point of celebrations and riots in the city. The area also serves as a hub for Santiago's street network. Some of the main streets of Santiago intersect in the area, including Avenida Providencia, Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins and Avenida Vicuña Mackenna. A tunnel entrance to the Costanera Norte Highway is close to Plaza Baquedano. Parque Forestal, Balmaceda Park and Bustamante Park converge here.

History

Plaza Baquedano, formerly known as Plaza Italia and before that as Plaza Colón, was created in 1875 as Plaza La Serena and adopted its current name in 1928 to honor Manuel Baquedano.[1]It was originally a traffic circle but its geometric design and functionality have changed since then.

Baquedano metro station is named for the Plaza Baquedano.

References

  1. ↑ "La historia y la histeria nacional de la Plaza Italia". Las Últimas Noticias (in Spanish). 24 June 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2012.

Coordinates: 33°26′13.20″S 70°38′3.88″W / 33.4370000°S 70.6344111°W / -33.4370000; -70.6344111

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