Sunday, December 5, 2010

La Moneda

I spend 6 days a week in this area, so I thought it was time to post some pictures and information about Palacio La Moneda, or more simply called La Moneda. Its original name comes from the Spanish word for coin, since the building originally opened as a mint and produced coins there from 1814 to 1829. In 1845, it became the seat for the government and the presidential palace. However, it no longer serves at the presidential residence.
It was here that Salvador Allende allegedly killed himself during the military coup, and the palace was partially destroyed and reconstructed in the early 80's. A more recent development has been the addition of the Centro Cultural, a cultural museum which offers guided visits, art exhibitions, and films. There are often special exhibits presented outside of the Palace as well, including the display of Fenix II, the one of the metal capsules designed for the rescue of the 33 Chilean Miners that was on display at La Moneda in late October.

A little boy chasing his dog around the lawn
Fenix II, and the lines of people that waited to have their photo taken next to it
Plaza de la Ciudadania, on the other side

5 comments:

  1. How neat you got to see Fenix II that rescued the miners!

    And thanks for the cultural lessons you are teaching us!

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  2. It depends on whose side of the story you are listening to. He either killed himself or was shot to death.

    I like walking by it. I still can't get over how close you can get.

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  3. I think you are wrong about the subject of the murder of salvador allende he didn´t kill himself

    he was assassinated by the militaries.

    la derecha dice que se suicido para quitarle importancia a su hecho valeroso de morir por sus ideales y por el pueblo el fue un hombre de principios ni siquiera hubiera pensado en suicidarse.

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  4. I guess that's why I chose the word "allegedly". I don't claim to be an expert on the topic by any means.

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