Plaza de la Constitución is the formal civic square fronting the northern facade of the Palacio La Moneda. It is a broad, formal space with a bronze equestrian statue of Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's liberator, at its centre. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place here every other day at noon, a military parade that draws a regular crowd.
The plaza is surrounded by government ministry buildings, giving it a stately if slightly cold atmosphere during the week. The underground Centros Culturales La Moneda, entered through the sunken gardens on the south side of the palace, has a contemporary art gallery and exhibition space — a surprising find below the street. The changing of the guard is brief and worth watching if you happen to be near La Moneda at noon.