Plaza Baquedano Square

Address: Intersection of Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins (Alameda) and Av. Providencia, Santiago, Chile

Hours: Open 24 hours (public square)

Admission: Free (public square)

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.

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.

• 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.