The Bahá'í Temple of Santiago: free views over the city from the Andes foothills

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High in the foothills of the Andes, in Santiago's Peñalolén district, the Bahá'í House of Worship for South America looks almost like it's floating. Its curved, translucent "petals" glow in the sun, and the gardens look out over the whole city.

Visiting

• Entry is free and everyone is welcome, whatever their faith.
• Inside it's a place of silence and prayer. Keep your voice low and check if photos are allowed inside before shooting.
• The gardens and viewpoints are the real treat for photographers.

When to go

Go late afternoon. The low sun lights up the temple's surface, and on a clear day you'll see the city spread out below with the mountains behind you. Winter days after rain usually have the clearest air.

Getting there

The temple sits on the eastern edge of Santiago, up a winding road. A taxi or rideshare is the easiest way up. Public transport gets you close, but the last stretch is steep.

Where to stay in Santiago

Lastarria and Bellas Artes are walkable and full of cafés, Providencia is safe and well connected, and Las Condes is closest to the temple and the mountains.

#chile #santiago #architecture