Founded in 1541, Plaza de Armas is the historic and vibrant heart of Santiago. Surrounded by the most important colonial buildings: the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Royal Palace. Once home to a gallows, today a fountain honors liberator Simón Bolívar, shaded by over a hundred Chilean palm trees. A lively gathering place with street performers, clowns, and balloon sellers. The pedestrian streets Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Estado lead directly to this iconic square.