These days Santiago Chile is the place to visit in South America.  As the capital of Chile, Santiago has experienced two decades of uninterrupted economic growth and been transformed into one of Latin America's most modern metropolitan areas.  With dozens of shopping malls and impressive high-rise architecture, you can feel the energy and excitement in Santiago.  

Preserved among this emerging growth still lies the rich cultural history of Santiago.  The Plaza de Armas, located opposite to the metropolitan cathedral, is where the city was first founded by Spanish Conquistadors and many of the original buildings still stand.  A host of museums can also be found within the city that house intriguing historic artifacts.  One such museum is Casa Colorada, an 18th century colonial house, which holds art collections that chart Santiago’s history.  Other exciting places to see in Santiago are the gallerias (called shopping arcades) located in downtown and the breathtaking Incan Citadel.  With tourcaster’s Chile – Plaza De Armas – Plaza De La Constitucion as your guide, you’ll learn about these sites and more.

     Plan ahead of time.
     Every year numerous people travel to the Vatican to partake in the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope. The celebrations commence with the Blessing of the Palms, Procession and Mass on Palm Sunday in Saint Peter's Square and continue throughout the week and into the weekend. Good Friday begins with A Celebration of the Lord's Passion in the Vatican Basilica, followed by Way of the Cross in the Colosseum. Holy Saturday marks the inception of the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night at the Vatican Basilica, and finally, on Easter Sunday, thousands of faithfuls go to Saint Peter's Square for Mass, which Holy Father Benedict XVI now presides.

    Although this is very religious time and some of Rome may be hibernating, there is still much you can experience off the beaten trail. If the Vatican and Colosseum are too crowded for your liking during this time, you can venture over to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, and take in more of the backstreet markets Rome has to offer. If you want to get out of the city, take a trip just outside of Rome and visit Assisi. You can take a tour, in either English or Italian, of both the Upper and Lower Basilicas, and hear the entire Giotto fresco cycle depicting the Life and Miracles of St. Francis.

    So when you aren't taking in the beautiful Easter celebrations, explore a bit, even if you venture beyond Rome's borders. For other travel and tour ideas within Rome or Italy, visit Tourcaster.