Torre Telefonica Chile

bertshetler (Atlas Obscura User)

Located downtown in Santiago, Chile, is a peculiar cell phone-shaped skyscraper. It was built in 1992, and that is very evident, since that is what cell phones looked like then.

The giant phone, which appropriately is home to Movistar Communications, is surrounded by several parks, making for a very easy view of the building. Stretching 34 floors high, it is an architectural landmark in Santiago and was the tallest building in the country until 1999.

For those tech-loving nerds, Fundación Telefonica houses a small “Paseo de las Telecomunicaciones” (Telecommunications Promenade) on the building, a collection of old phones, telegraphs and cellphones as a display on the evolution of communications and the history of the company.

Take note that the surrounding area was deeply affected during the social unrest protests of 2019, so access to certain areas is limited.

Know Before You Go

Public transportation is plentiful and very cheap in Santiago. The "Baquedano" Station of the Santiago Metro is located right outside the main building. Take the Line 5 exit that leads to General Bustamante St. For those taking a bus, drop off at the PC1148 bus-stop.