Legend has it that in the lands of Pirque, the devil once roamed. According to local lore, in 1824, Don Ramón Subercaseaux, a prominent landowner in the region, made a pact with dark forces so that water would flow abundantly across his fields, transforming them into fertile farmland. Pact or not, today Pirque is a verdant landscape of extraordinary natural beauty and flourishing agriculture.
Just 50 minutes from Santiago, Chile, lies Las Majadas, a destination that feels suspended in time—where nature and human craftsmanship coexist in quiet harmony.
Here, a 20th-century palace, a modern luxury hotel, and a 7.5-hectare park designed in 1909 by landscape architect Guillermo Renner come together in a single landscape. Towering peumo trees, araucarias, and century-old oakscreate a transition between past and present. This green oasis shelters diverse plant and animal species, inviting visitors to breathe fresh air and listen to the subtle sounds of the natural world.
A Place with History
Originally, a majada refers to the dwelling of shepherds and their animals—a cluster of stone and wood cabins built with local materials and traditional craftsmanship. These structures were designed to protect those tending livestock from the wind and rain.
In the early 19th century, Don Ramón Subercaseaux purchased the Hacienda de Pirque, a vast estate of nearly 20,000 hectares. After his death, the land where the palace now stands was inherited by his son Francisco Subercaseaux. In 1907, Francisco’s children surprised him by commissioning a magnificent residence designed by architect Alberto Cruz Montt.
Built in a French Renaissance style, the palace originally included 20 rooms, ten bathrooms, a salon, dining room, and oratory, arranged across three levels and a basement.
From that moment onward, the Palacio de las Majadas de Pirque became a center of social gatherings and an enduring witness to many moments in Chile’s history. The estate was later sold to the Nieto family, who owned it until 2006, when it was acquired by Argentine entrepreneur Wenceslao Casares.
Following the devastating 2010 Chile earthquake, the palace entered a careful restoration process led by renowned architect Teodoro Fernández.
Restoration and Reinvention
The restoration of Las Majadas has drawn significant attention from historians, architects, and cultural observers across Chile. It was a complex and meticulous project involving specialists in architecture, heritage conservation, and historical research.
One of its most compelling aspects is the decision to preserve the original structure as faithfully as possible. Only one of the palace towers—destroyed during the earthquake—could not be reconstructed. Rather than erase this absence, the project embraces it as a symbolic reminder that structures, like people, may carry scars without losing dignity or value.
Wherever possible, restoration relied on original materials and techniques from the early 20th century. Inside, however, the palace now hosts modern spaces and contemporary comforts, designed to foster dialogue and collaboration. The vision for Las Majadas is not merely hospitality—it is a center for conversations, where art, academia, business, and civic life intersect to generate new ideas and social capital.
At the same time, a modern hotel was constructed facing the palace, separated by the expansive park that acts as a gentle buffer between the historic and the contemporary. Built with exposed concrete, glass, and noble woods, the hotel offers a sophisticated escape just outside the city.
Why Choose Las Majadas
The hotel features 50 park-view rooms, decorated with a thoughtful blend of elegant and cozy elements designed for comfort. Materials such as wood and wool textiles create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously rustic and refined.
Guests can participate in a variety of experiences—from cooking workshops to outdoor expeditions for nature enthusiasts. The property also includes a modern spa, where visitors may enjoy a sauna, relaxing massages, and an outdoor pool during warmer days.
Las Majadas is also home to a celebrated restaurant led by Chef Marcelo Saldaña, whose menu highlights local ingredients of exceptional quality paired with a refined culinary approach and international influences.
Reserving a stay at Las Majadas offers travelers the opportunity to explore the landscapes, flavors, and cultural richness of Chile in a setting where history and nature meet.
