The Bahá'í Temple of South America, opened in 2016, is one of the most significant pieces of architecture built in Chile in the 21st century. The building sits on the Cerro Viejo hill in Peñalolén, east of the city with the Andes directly behind it, and its nine veils of translucent glass glow like alabaster in sunlight and like a lantern after dark. Canadian architect Siamak Hariri designed it as the continental temple for the Bahá'í faith, and the result is genuinely extraordinary — a building that manages to be modern and ancient-feeling simultaneously.
The interior is a serene domed space lit by the diffused light coming through the glass skin. It is open to all faiths for meditation and prayer. The surrounding gardens and terraces offer outstanding views of Santiago and the Andes. It is a 30-minute drive from the city centre; taxis and Uber are the practical way to get there. Open Tuesday to Sunday; admission is free.