Santiago's second grand plaza, Plaza Constitucion, fronts the Palacio de la Moneda and is primarily used as a pedestrian crossway and a venue for protests. The Palacio de la Moneda is the presidential palace and offices of Chile's first female president, Michelle Bachelet. More infamously, the Palacio is site of the 1973 Pinochet-led coup that ousted Salvador Allende. During the 18th century, the Palacio was the largest building ever erected by the Spanish government, and it was roundly criticized as too ostentatious -- today it's considered one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Latin America. Joaquín Toesca, the Italian architect responsible for setting the neoclassical tone of civic buildings in Santiago, directed the design of the palace until his death in 1799.
What is unique about the Palacio is that it is the only presidential headquarters in the world that allows civilians to simply stroll through its interior patio and gardens (guards will inspect your bags first). Take a walk inside; it's quite an experience to feel the rush of ministers and journalists. Better yet, plan your visit at 10am to watch Chilean soldiers perform a somber changing of the guard, which takes place in front of the Palacio -- unfortunately it takes place every other day, so there's no guarantee you'll witness it.
