Santiago (officially in Spanish, Santiago de Chile) is Chile's capital and largest city. Central Valley is located in the country legally and administratively part of the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Although Santiago is the capital, the National Congress
holds its meetings in Valparaiso.
Santiago was founded by Pedro de Valdivia on February 12, 1541 under the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura. Founding ceremony was held on Huelén Hill (then renamed Cerro Santa Lucia. Valdivia chose the location because the city climate moderate and ease with
which it could be defended.
