Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
4.4
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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The area

Address
Neighborhood: Centro Histórico
Steeped in history and brimming with cultural allure, Centro Histórico of Santiago is a neighborhood that captivates at every turn. Iconic landmarks such as the regal Palacio de La Moneda and the awe-inspiring Metropolitan Cathedral enrich the landscape, while the fascinating Pre-Columbian Art Museum offers a deep dive into the region's rich heritage. The area is also a haven for foodies, with local markets like Mercado Central serving up an array of tantalizing seafood dishes. Navigating the neighborhood is a breeze, thanks to the efficient metro system and numerous bus lines that offer easy access to the rest of the city. A day in Centro Histórico is a journey through time, a feast for the senses, and a testament to Santiago's enduring charm.
How to get there
  • Plaza de Armas • 2 min walk
  • Puente Cal y Canto • 7 min walk
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • dianedinky
    Dunfermline, United Kingdom2,508 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Don't get me wrong I loved the beauty of this cathedral inside and out and think it is one of the iconic landmarks of Santiago (surprised it doesn't make the Top 10 of things to do), and is certainly a must see in my opinion. Not only the breathtaking main interior but the side areas too. However, it was harder than expected to take photos as the square is so full of trees and someone agreed it was ok to put an ugly glass skyscraper on the corner with the cathedral. You need to virtually stand in the road to get a good angle free of blocking greenery and out of place buildings. Even then, you can't avoid including the multiple stalls right out front set up by eager vendors.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 28, 2025
  • Montserrat B
    Santiago, Chile81 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    We went on February 12th, celebrating the anniversary of the founding of Santiago, so there were many activities. To make sure of the schedule, we hired a guided tour in Turistik, it is not expensive, about 8 dollars. It is very interesting, I had known the cathedral inside for many years, but it had never climbed the deck or the bell towers, plus it had a significant reinforcement after the last earthquakes. There are beautiful views of the cathedral itself, the historic buildings surrounding it and the Plaza de Armas. Very attentive our guide, Sofia, who was very aware of the details of the building.
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 21, 2025
  • AMsays
    Thornhill, Canada5,300 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Built on an Inca Tambo between 1748 and 1906, it is the fifth reiteration, now made up of the Archbishop’s Palace, Parish del Sagrario and the Cathedral itself, all considered national monuments. In the Plaza des Armas complex. The exterior architecture is Neoclassical with two towers. Inside, the church is made up of three naves - two laterals and a taller central one. There are many religious artifacts, gleaming objets d’art, statues, frescoes and surreal paintings. There are tributes to heroes including tombstones and preserved hearts of acclaimed Chileans. This is a special place that defies the sordidness of Plaza des Armas.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 26, 2024
  • Robert O
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands6,766 contributions
    3 of 5 bubbles
    Though most of the cathedral structure was built during the 1800s, it got its final appearance in 1906. The Neoclassical facade with impressive portals and two towers lines the Plaza de Armas. The interior is very much influenced by Baroque style elements especially the ornamentation. I was a bit shocked by the sculpture of an archangel piercing the skull of a devilish looking person. Rather frightening in the context of the support of the church for the Pinochet coup.
    Visited January 2025
    Traveled solo
    Written February 4, 2025
  • Ron S
    New York City, New York6,115 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    The cathedral has very nice interior. Its relatively small front and location at the corner of Plaza de Armas is a bit unusual for a South American capitol but it's a large edifice nonetheless. To the right of it there's the Main post office where you can by some philatelic souvenirs.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 7, 2024
  • Kevin S
    Pontypridd, United Kingdom7,181 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful cathedral, beautifully painted ceiling, substantial side altars and extravagantly decorated main altar. Having visited cathedrals in most of the major cities in Spain this matches the best and exceeds most. A really impressive place, free to enter but obviously deserving of a voluntary donation to maintain the church
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 26, 2024
  • Sheryl
    Phoenix, Arizona1,162 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    The Diocese of Santiago is one of the most important Catholic churches in Chile and the religious center of the capital. It was built in the 18th century and features Baroque style and neoclassical architecture. This church is a witness to the religious history of Chile and has been repaired by earthquakes several times, but still preserves its majesty and glory With magnificent doors and exquisite sculptures that show the influence of the European architectural style at the time
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 24, 2025
  • Beatriz R
    Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain501 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Essential visit if you want to feel Santiago. The Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the Market... Everything is worth it and a lot. Devoting a day to enjoy that city is great.
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 6, 2025
  • Regina Mele
    Rio de Janeiro, RJ133 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Cathedral lindissima c wonderful statues and full of spaces p explore. Angel Gabriel is the most beautiful angel I've ever seen. One of the most beautiful churches q entered.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written November 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.4
4.4 of 5 bubbles10,371 reviews
Excellent
5,643
Very good
3,684
Average
962
Poor
59
Terrible
23

Seeitalldoitall
Las Vegas, NV287 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful church that is located in the Plaza De Armas. The church itself has much history with beautiful frescas, statues and alters. The signage is only in Spanish which was disappointing. There might be an audio tour option but we didn’t see anything offered. You only need 20 or so minutes to walk around. Unfortunately, the area outside is near the park that it is filled with unsavory characters waiting to take advantage of unaware tourists! Mind your belongings and always be aware of your surroundings.
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
There is not much charm, warmth, and comfort about Santiago de Chile's cathedral. It seems like a church that demands more from its worshipers than it gives back.

The suffering Jesus figures are fascinating, and especially (discreetly) observing a man burst into tears under one of the figures after praying earnestly for a while fascinated us.

We truly hoped that his prayer was heard on high.
Written March 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sachin K
New York City, NY6,533 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the city's historic center and faces the northwest corner of Santiago's Plaza de Armas. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile and the center of the archdiocese of Santiago de Chile. Construction of the neoclassical cathedral began in 1753 and ended in 1799. The architect was the Italian Gioacchino Toesca. Further alterations ordered at the end of the 19th century gave it its present appearance. Previous cathedrals in the archdiocese had been destroyed by earthquakes. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this cathedral to any tourist in Santiago to appreciate the fine architecture.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melody
Carmel, CA13 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
With the recent protests, the cathedral is often closed with sheet metal over doors and windows. We’ve seen it open once since we’ve been here this trip, but it was a lovely place to visit when we were here 2 years ago. If it is open, take a few minutes to check it out.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick D
Calgary, Canada1,200 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
when we visit the main church in a capital city we expect it to have great art, wonderful sightlines, an altar complete with paintings and sculptures, large yet intricate stained glass pieces, murals and frescos on the interior ceiling or dome and a massive pipe organ. We expect this but some churches are just more awe -inspring than others. This cathedral has everything and more. Beautiful side chapels, carved pulpit and an open an airy feeling because of the interior height.
Well worth the visit
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shar1805
Florida443 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
I loved this Baroque style cathedral-with its many ornaments, frescos, and gilded columns. Construction began more than 200 years ago and additions and alternations continued throughout the years. Today it's a national historic monument. If you're in the Plaza de Armas be sure to take a peek or better yet, go inside the cathedral.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Irene R
DeKalb, IL57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Plain on the outside, beautiful inside, look for high up stained glass windows, unusual ceiling, image of the risen Christ behind the altar. Side saints include females as well as males. Lovely singing while we were there.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GordonW318
Gloucester, UK1,204 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This imposing building has great architecture outside but truly magnificent inside. It is sited on the main square of Plaza d Armas and easily accessible. There were no barricades when visited but it depends on the time of day as there are often anti government demonstrations throughout the city and including around the Cathedral. These tend to occur from 5 pm onwards so your day needs to be planned.
There is no admission to the Cathedral and it is a photographers paradise.
This is one of the must see places in Santiago as Is the square it dominates - Plaza de Armas.
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

browncondo2102
Kitchener, Canada1,834 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
It is a neoclassical Cathedral built in the late 1700's. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile. Once inside the walls, ceiling and alters are breathtaking. The stained glass is gorgeous. There are many statues as well.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WImom
Fond du Lac, WI2,275 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This stately cathedral predominates the Plaza de Armas. It is a neoclassical Cathedral with a beautiful interior. built between 1748 and 1800. To the left, as you enter, there is a sign showing the highlights of the cathedral. See photo. Also, to the right of the altar is a relic from St. John Paul 2. See photos for more information.
Written April 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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