Plaza Baquedano
Square Santiago central plaza and common protest gathering point
Known locally as Plaza Italia, Plaza Baquedano sits at Santiago’s eastern end of the Alameda and marks access to Bellas Artes and Lastarria. It’s a focal point for public gatherings, nightlife and nearby cultural streets.
Plaza Baquedano is a prominent public square in Santiago de Chile, commonly referred to as Plaza Italia, and functions as a central transport and gathering point. The plaza is dominated by an equestrian monument to General Manuel Baquedano and sits at a busy intersection of major city avenues.
It is widely used for public demonstrations, concerts and informal gatherings, and serves as a reference point for the adjacent Parque Forestal and cultural amenities. Urban infrastructure including transit stops and wide boulevards converge at the square.
The square dates to civic-planning phases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when major avenues were laid out and monuments installed as focal points. It has retained a ceremonial and civic role through successive city developments.
Geographically the plaza is in central Santiago within the Santiago Metropolitan Region, near the northern edge of the Parque Forestal and a short distance from the Mapocho River.
- Also called Plaza Italia: Colloquially known as Plaza Italia, the square is a major transport node at the junction of several principal avenues in Santiago and a common rallying point for public events.
- Central monument: An equestrian monument to General Manuel Baquedano stands at the square's centre and is a visible landmark used in directions and meeting points.
How to Get to Plaza Baquedano #
Plaza Baquedano (often called Plaza Italia) sits at the junction of Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins (the Alameda) and Avenida Providencia in Santiago. Take Metro to Baquedano station (Lines 1 and 5) - exit and the plaza is immediately outside (a few minutes’ walk). By car it’s central Santiago; major avenues (Alameda/Paseo) meet here and parking is limited.
Tips for Visiting Plaza Baquedano #
- Use Baquedano metro station to arrive directly at the square and then walk toward Parque Forestal or Bellavista for quieter streets and cafes.
- Avoid large demonstrations and late-evening crowds by checking local news before visiting - the square is a frequent gathering point for protests and events.
- Walk south across the Mapocho toward the Museo de Bellas Artes and Parque Forestal; many visitors stop at the roundabout and miss the cultural institutions a short stroll away.
Best Time to Visit Plaza Baquedano #
Best in spring or autumn for comfortable weather and typical city life; the plaza can be very busy in summer and is also a frequent focal point for public demonstrations.
Weather & Climate near Plaza Baquedano #
Plaza Baquedano's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
