Cousiño Palace
For a historical look at Santiago, visit this Versailles-style
mansion, which is quite elegant and beautiful, and represents the
way of life of the Chilean elite at the end of the 19th century.
It was built by the aristocrat Mr. Luis Cousino with architect Paul
Lathoud. Cousino built the residence to honor his wife, Isidora
Govenechea, and show the extent of his fortune (one of the largest
in the country).
The house has a two-story living room with a marble staircase as
well as many bedrooms, a dining room and maintains all the original
furniture. The house has various features including iron railings,
wood, velvet, brocade and silk wall coverings. In 1941, the mansion
and pieces of furniture were acquired by Santiago’s City Town
Hall and later it became a museum and lodging place for visitors.
In 1968, the second and third stories were destroyed in a fire,
but were later restored.
The palace has been declared a national monument.
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