La Moneda Palace

A stately-looking building, the Palacio de La Moneda represents the official seat of the Chilean government. Dating back to 1805 and credited to Joaquin Toesca y Ricci, it was originally the National Mint, hence its name: the Coin Palace. The architecture of the sprawling building is distinctly reminiscent of the neoclassical style, with spires adorning the balconies and gilded windows embedded into the schematics. From 1845 onward, it was transformed into the presidential residence and government headquarters. After its destruction on September 11, 1973, the palace had to be extensively rebuilt and refurbished during the first years of the military dictatorship. Following one of the first decrees of the present Head of State, President Ricardo Lagos Escobar, the courtyards of the palace were once more opened up to public access. The measure has been warmly received by the local populace, who pass through the building, and toss coins into the ornate fountain in the Orange Grove Patio.