Are you intrigued by the stunning skylines of dynamic cities? Chile’s skyline, especially in Santiago, features some of South America’s most impressive tall buildings, making it a must-visit for architecture fans and explorers alike. The Costanera Center complex, a significant development in Santiago, stands out with the Gran Torre Santiago tower, luxury shopping, entertainment, and grand views of the Andes.
You’re not alone in your interest. Many share your fascination with these architectural feats but might find it hard to navigate the variety of options.
That’s where we come in. With our extensive knowledge of Chile’s tallest structures, we can guide you through the most notable buildings, from the Gran Torre Santiago to exciting future projects.
In this article, we’ll:
- Examine Chile’s most iconic buildings and their standout features
- Highlight historic and modern skyscrapers that shape the skyline
- Provide insights into upcoming projects influencing the future
Keep reading to uncover how these architectural landmarks showcase Chile’s growth and creativity, and discover the stories behind the skyline.
Historic Tall Buildings
Chile is home to many historic tall buildings, some of which have been standing for over half a century. These buildings have played an important role in shaping the city’s skyline and are still admired for their architectural design and engineering.
1. Torre Telefónica Chile
Torre Telefónica Chile, also known as the Movistar Chile District, is a 34-story skyscraper located in Santiago. It was completed in 1996, standing at a height of 143 meters. It is owned by the multinational telecommunications company Movistar and is its center of operations in the country.
2. Torre Entel
Torre Entel, located in downtown Santiago, is a 127-meter-tall tower that was completed in 1974. It was built to house the headquarters of the National Telecommunications Company (Entel) and is still used for this purpose today. The tower has a unique design, with a triangular shape that tapers towards the top.
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Modern Skyscrapers
Chile has become a hub of modern skyscrapers in recent years, with several towering structures dotting the country’s skyline. In this section, we’ll explore three of the most iconic modern skyscrapers in Chile.
3. Gran Torre Santiago
Gran Torre Santiago, also known as Costanera Center Torre, is the tallest building in Latin America, standing at an impressive height of 300 meters. Located in Santiago, the skyscraper boasts 62 floors and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. The observation deck, called ‘Sky Costanera,’ is located on the 61st and 62nd floors.
The building is home to a shopping center, offices, and a luxury hotel. The tower’s sleek and modern design is evidence of Chile’s commitment to innovation and progress. The majestic Andes Mountains serve as a backdrop that enhances the architectural beauty of the tower. Gran Torre Santiago is a significant example of human-built form.
4. Titanium La Portada
Titanium La Portada is a 52-story skyscraper located in the Las Condes district of Santiago. The building stands at 195 meters tall and is easily recognizable due to its unique shape. The tower is home to offices, a shopping center, and a hotel. The building’s design incorporates energy-efficient features, making it one of the most sustainable buildings in Chile. Additionally, the construction utilizes recycled steel, enhancing both its structural safety and environmental sustainability.
Residential Buildings
Chile is home to some of the most iconic residential buildings in South America. These buildings offer luxurious living spaces with breathtaking views of the city. In this section, we will explore the most famous residential buildings in Chile.
5. Mirador Playa Brava
Mirador Playa Brava is a set of buildings located in the city of Iquique, in the first region of Chile, which was inaugurated in 2017. Mirador Playa Brava has 2 tall skyscrapers; the first (Mirador Playa Brava I), with 36 floors plus 2 underground and with 135.70 m high, is considered the tallest building in the Tarapacá Region, Northern Chile and the tallest outside the Metropolitan Region, until the construction of the Puerto Montt Tower, while the second (Mirador Playa Brava II) has 34 floors plus 2 underground, and 124.70 m high.
See Also: Tallest Buildings in Colombia
Commercial and Office Buildings
Chile is home to some of the most impressive commercial and office buildings in South America. In this section, two of the most iconic buildings in this category will be explored.
6. Torre de la Industria
Located in Santiago, Torre de la Industria is a 32-story office building that stands 120 meters tall. Completed in 1994, it was designed by the architectural firm Sencorp SA. The building has a modernist style and features a distinctive façade with a grid of windows. It is home to several companies and has become a landmark in the city.
7. Torre Nueva Santa Maria
Torre Nueva Santa Maria is a 30-story office building located in the Providencia district of Santiago. Completed in 2017, it stands 120 meters tall and offers stunning views of the city. The building features a modernist style with a glass façade. It is home to several companies and has become a popular destination for business meetings and events.
Mixed-Use Buildings
Chile is home to some of the most stunning mixed-use buildings in the world. These buildings offer a unique blend of residential, commercial, and retail spaces all under one roof, making them a popular choice for residents and visitors alike.
8. Boulevard Kennedy and Santiago Marriott
Boulevard Kennedy & Santiago Marriott is a 40-story building located at Avenida Presidente Kennedy 5741 in Santiago, Chile. Standing at 129.9 meters (426 feet) tall, this completed development serves as both a hotel and office space. Known also as Marriott Santiago, it was finished in 1999 and remains a notable feature in the city’s skyline.
9. Territoria 3000
Territoria 3000, also called Isidora 3000, is a large building complex in Santiago, Chile, located in the El Golf neighborhood. It opened in 2009 and includes offices, apartments, shops, and the W Santiago Hotel. The main building is 118 meters tall with 29 floors.
It was once the fifth tallest in Santiago but became the sixth tallest in 2011. The hotel, which is the first W Hotel in South America, takes up the first 11 floors and has 200 rooms. The complex also offers luxury apartments called W Residences. Designed by architects from New York, it remains an important part of Santiago’s financial district.
Iconic and Unique Structures
Chile is home to some of the most iconic and unique structures in the world. From colonial-era buildings to modern skyscrapers, each building tells a unique story of Chile’s architectural evolution. In this section, we will explore two of the most notable structures in Chile.
10. Torre del Centro
The Torre del Centro, once called Torre Mall Center, is a tall building in Concepción, Chile. It is 112.2 meters tall with 27 floors and 4 underground levels, making it the tallest building in the area and one of the tallest outside of Santiago. Located in the city center, the building has a mall on the first four floors and offices on the rest.
The mall includes a food court, shops, a Jumbo supermarket in the basement, and seven movie theaters. The building was designed by an Argentine architecture firm and managed by a company that also runs other malls in Chile.
11. Torre Centenario
Torre Centenario is a skyscraper office building in Santiago. It was finished in 2000 and has 31 floors, of which 5 are basement. It has a floor area of 48,500m² and a height of 112 meteres (371 feet).
Future Projects
12. Torre Puerto Montt
The Puerto Montt Tower is a 150-meter-tall skyscraper in Puerto Montt, Chile. It’s part of the Mall Paseo Costanera complex and has 31 floors and 3 basement levels. It’s the tallest building outside Santiago and shares third place in height with the Marriott Hotel in Santiago.
The tower was meant to have a hotel, a public viewing platform, and shopping areas. Construction stopped in 2020 due to COVID-19, but in April 2023, the developers said they are still planning to finish the hotel and other features, though they might also consider other uses for the building.
Tallest Buildings in Chile: A Recap
Chile boasts some of the tallest and most striking buildings in South America. From the Gran Torre Santiago, which stands as the tallest skyscraper in Latin America at 300 meters, to the sleek Titanium La Portada, the country’s skyline showcases impressive architectural achievements.
Buildings like the Mirador Playa Brava and the Torre del Centro highlight Chile’s architectural diversity, combining modern design with practical functions. With ongoing and future projects like the Puerto Montt Tower, Chile continues to enhance its skyline, reflecting its growth and ambition. These buildings not only define the country’s skyline but also represent its progress and creativity in architecture.