Chile Guide
Santiago
Palacio Cousiño
Opening time: Tues– Fri 9.30am–1.30pm & 2.30–5pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–1.30pm
Price: CH$1500
Address: Dieciocho 438
The Palacio Cousiño was and remains the most magnificent of the historic palaces, the one that dazzled Santiago's high society by the sheer scale of its luxury and opulence. It was built between 1870 and 1878 for doña Isidora Goyenechea, the widow of Luis Cousiño, who'd amassed a fortune with his Lota coal mines and Chañarcillo silver mines. All the furnishings and decoration were shipped over from Europe, especially France, and top European craftsmen were brought here to work on the house. The first floor was burnt to ashes in 1968, but the ground floor remains totally intact, and provides a wonderful close-up view of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship at its best: Italian hand-painted tiles; Bohemian crystal chandeliers; mahogany, walnut and ebony parquet floors; a mosaic marble staircase; and French brocade and silk furnishings are just a few of the splendours of the palace. Visitors must take the 45-minute guided tour, available in Spanish or English.