The Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda built La Chascona in Santiago's bohemian barrio of Bellavista for his third wife Matilde Urrutia. The architecture is as fascinating as the tales of Neruda's life relayed by the tour guides. Tours are compulsory.
The love story between Pablo and Matilde is encased in the house - in the grille of the windows are the letters P and M. The collection of paintings inside includes the famous portrait of Matilde by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera, in which Neruda's profile is hidden in Matilde's hair.
The name La Chascona comes from the Quechua language and refers to Matilde's messy hair. Excellent English, Spanish and French tours are available.