Santiago

Santiago is the capital of Chile, and one of the most modern metropolitan cities in South America.

Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago on February 12, 1541, and established the city until its destruction by Mapochoes tribes later that year, thereby leading to the Arauco War. Just after the end of the Chilean War of Independence in 1818, Santiago was named the capital of Chile.

Santiago remained a small town until the 1930s, when a population and construction boom transformed it into an industrial city.

As the cultural and financial center of the country, Santiago continues to grow. Its skyline is now lit by numerous apartment complexes and skyscrapers, and due to its present economic stability, many companies headquarter there.

Currently under construction is what will become the tallest skyscraper in South America, the Costanera Center, scheduled for completion in 2010.

If planning a trip, see Santiago Restaurants, Santiago Vacation, Santiago Tours, and Santiago Hotels.

• Official Soccer Site: Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional