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