Along the Rio Mapocho
The Rio Mapocho is a fast running river carrying snow melt from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. It passes through the center of Santiago from east to west. Rather than being an interruption to a busy city, it has become the an intergral part through excellent city planning. The banks of the Mapocho are the sites of many linear city parks, as well as the sites of several remarkable landmarks shown below. This photo is looking upstream to the east towards the eastern suburb (Barrio) called El Golf.
Still looking east from several miles downstream. This bridge is one of dozens. These also serve as inpromptu sites for sidewalk sales of clothing and jewelry.
The banks of the river are often decoratively and humorously painted.
Looking downstream. One of the many shoreline parks on the left. This happens to be called Parque Forestal.
The east end of Parque Forestal holds an interesting monument to Colombus.
This park is about a mile long and half as wide. The banks of the River Mapocho are lined by about ten miles of manicured parks through the city.
This is the west entrance to the Parque Forestal. Looking east. If we were to turn around to the west we would be looking at a landmark site just across the street. Look below.
Museo National de Bellas Artes
This is what you would see. It is an overcast morning in this photo. Let's take a look inside this magnificent building.
A classic art nouveau masterpiece. And full of some wonderful art.
Even some wild creations...
But the building is the real work of art.
Mercado Central
About four blocks west of the museum is the central market. The river is just behind me. Built in 1873, this is a classic victorian style cast iron building. Since its opening it has been the leading vegetable and fish market to the city. It also holds many excellent restaurants.
Restaurants cover the west side of the building.
Faye negotiates for some lapiz penguins for Xander and Kai.
The structure is in perfect condition. Vegetable markets to the left. Fish and meats are at the rear.
Check out this piece of bluefin tuna. About 18 inches in diameter.
Centro Cultural Estacion Mapocho
Just across the street to the west is the Beaux-Arts style Estacion Mapocho, now converted to a modern cultural center. Built in 1912, it was originally the grand terminal for trains that then connected to all major cities in Chile.
The main platform area is now the site for concerts, conventions and major displays. Excellent shops and restaurants are housed in the side wings. The steel structure was manufactured in Belgium.
The interior vaults and marquees were fabricated in Paris.
That's it for the River Mapocho. Now we head south to the historic center of Santiago.