The New York Times: "Culture Pilgrims in Santiago de Compost

[ivar]

Read it here:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/tr ... ss&emc=rss

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Ivar,

When I read this article, I was surprised that though it had a huge half-page picture of the cathedral, the focus is really on that Ciudad de la Cultura complex that we all see when we walk into Santiago. I had never visited it because people in Santiago told me that there really wasn't anything there -- one man told me that they ran out of money and so are now left with a huge extravagant building complex with a few books inside. I was hoping maybe you or someone else on the forum has actually been there and can give us an idea of what there is to do there. Should it be on our "must see" list the next time we arrive in Santiago?

And I would second the recommendation of the tapas at Abastos 2.0. A Portuguese friend had recommended it to me and I was able to eat there this summer. YUM. (not open at night, though, at least it wasn't when I was there).

Laurie

 

[madrid12]

We visited the City of Culture in march this year and looking back in my journal i have written "long walk up, impressive with not much open but lots of books, coffee and chocolate from vending machine which did not work very well. " From what I can remember 2 buildings were open, one was the library where they were still filling the shelves and I think the other was a history section. There was still building work going on. It was free to enter but there was no information about it. I think it depends how long you have in Santiago to be on a must see list.
Liz

 

[ivar]

There is a cafe open now... and some times they have events up there, but still early on. Ask at the tourist office in Santiago to see if there is things going on. There are still buildings that have not yet been opened, I think they are scheduled to open this year (or next, don't remember).

If you are interested in archicecture, it is worth a visit. If not.... not important. If you are bored in old town and nothing else to do... it might be a good option. Very nice views from there.

More:
http://www.cidadedacultura.org/
Photos here