Buenos Dias Afaconados!
As promised, I made my way out yesterday to explore the Chilean arts and crafts scene and it did not disappoint! My first destination was to a place called San Cristobal Hill. Although not related to my primary purpose for venturing out, it’s still a very notable mention. Located in Northern Santiago, San Cristobal Hill rises 800m above mean sea level and about 300m above the rest of Santiago. At its peak, sits a 22 meter statue of the Virgin Mary. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would not believe it really existed. It’s breathtaking! See below:
To get to the top of the hill you have to take a tram called the “Funicular” that goes up the side of the hill on what looks like train tracks. Going up was a little scary considering how high up we were going but the view at the top will seriously leave you awestruck:
After San Cristobal Hill, and a short visit to the hotel to collect my Bestie, it was on to the next destination. We hopped on the red subway line at El Golf and took it all the way to the end, which brought us to Los Dominicos. At this stop, we visited the Pueblito de los Dominicos. According to everything I’ve read about shopping in Santiago this is the place to go to buy the best artisan goods. This craft village contains more than 150 workshops that sell ceramics, furniture, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, leather goods AND clothes! I felt like I was in artisan heaven! We got there a little late so a lot of the stores had already closed for the evening, but what we were able to see was fantastic! The detail that goes into the jewelry is amazing and the prices are more than fair. Some of the owners can even be bargained with. Chilean artisans use a lot of copper in their jewelry designs and we were lucky enough to get a chance to see some master artisans at work:
The two artisans above are responsible for making everything you see here:
My Bestie and I decided we were slighted by “time” and needed to have another visit to this wonderful place before we leave for Argentina on Saturday. We will definitely be back!
Check out some of the other goodies we found there:
I hope you all enjoyed these pictures as much as I enjoyed being here to take them. It’s moving to see so many artists doing what they love. Until next time!
Mello says
Great pics! The jewelry is beautiful.
chamomile social anxiety says
Greeting from over the sea. interesting post I will return for more.