Palacio de la Moneda

The Palacio de la Moneda stands in central Santiago, Chile, designed by the Italian architect Joaquin Toesca and completed in 1805 during the Spanish colonial period as the country's royal mint, from which it takes its name, meaning the coin or the mint. Built in a Neoclassical style around a series of internal courtyards, the building ceased minting currency in the nineteenth century and was converted into the seat of the Chilean presidency, a function it has held since 1846. The palace is best known internationally as the site of the 1973 military coup, during which it was bombed by the Chilean air force and President Salvador Allende died inside the building as forces loyal to General Augusto Pinochet seized power. Restored after the coup, the Palacio de la Moneda continues to serve as the official seat of the President of Chile and hosts the ceremonial changing of the guard.