All churches in Chiloé
Diciembre 15, 2016

All churches in Chiloé

One of its emblems are the churches built all around its territory in colonial times in a very particular way. Each roof and wall of the churches were made with local materials, such as native woods, and were assembled only with dowels, without using nails. This is why many of them are National Monuments of Chile and also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most of them were built during the 18th century by the Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries who came to the island. Despite being more than 100 or 200 years old, they are in good condition and covered with their traditional larch shingles. Visiting one of them is a must if you are in Chiloé. If you like architecture and want to know the most emblematic ones that are World Heritage Sites, here we tell you how to do it.

Church of Achao: Located in the town of Achao, next to Dalcahue, the Church of Santa María de Loreto is considered a World Heritage Site. It is located in the main square of the area and is the oldest of both the Big Island and Chile, with a construction dating from 1730. To visit it you must go from Curaco de Veléz to Achao, a distance of approximately 25 kilometers.

Quinchao Church: It is located in the town of the same name and was built with cypress, hazel and cinnamon wood. It is the largest traditional church in Chiloé, 53 meters long and 18.5 meters wide.

3.- Iglesia De Castro: The Church of San Francisco de Castro is located in the main square of this city and is the most important church in Chiloé. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands out for its neo-Gothic design with towers 42 meters high.

Church of Rilán: The Santa María de Rilán Church is also located in the commune of Castro, in the town square of Rilán. It stands out for its large size and traditional architecture. To get there you have to leave Castro heading north.

Church of Nercón: The Church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón was built in 1890 with cypress and larch wood. It is located in the square of Nercon and its style is different from the other churches because of its neo-Romanesque inspiration, with double pillars.

Aldachildo Church: The Jesús Nazareno de Aldachildo Church is located on Lemuy Island. It is a traditional Chiloé church, which was built with cypress, coigue and larch wood and no nails were used but wooden rivets. To get there, you must take a ferry from Puerto Huichas, in the commune of Chonchi.

7.-Church of Ichuac

This church is also located on Lemuy Island, in the Pulquedón commune. Known as the Nativity of Mary Church of Ichuac, it was built with wood from the area of coigue, cypress and larch and has a mysterious clock painted on its entrance that marks 3 o'clock in the afternoon - it is believed to be the time when Jesus died, or the time of the earthquake that struck the area in 1960. Detif Church: Also located on Lemuy Island, it is characterized by the wooden boats that hang from its interior, offerings of sailors who returned in good condition from the sea. The Iglesia Apostol Santiago de Detif is located at the end of the island, contrasting with the beautiful landscape of the area.

Vilupulli Church: The San Antonio de Padua de Vilupulli Church is located in the commune of Chonchi. It stands out for being the most stylized of Chiloé, with a tower of 22 meters high. It is located 16 kilometers from Castro, in the commune of Chonchi.

Church of Chonchi: The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chonchi is located next to the square of this city. It can be reached by traveling 20 kilometers from Castro. Its style is neoclassical.

11.- Church of Tenaún:

The Church of Our Lady of the Patronage of Tenaún is located in the square of the town of the same name, in the commune of Dalcahue, and overlooks the sea. It stands out for being the only church in Chiloé that has three towers. It is built in the traditional style, with canelo wood, tepa and tenio. Colo Church: The San Antonio de Colo Church is located in the commune of Quemchi. Among its attractions is an interesting collection of religious objects such as different saints carved in wood. It was built with cypress, coigue and stone bases. It is the only one of the churches of Chiloé that is not next to the sea or towards its direction.

Church of Dalcahue: The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, in Dalcahue, is located in the main square of this town. It stands out for its religious pieces, the most important being the Crucified Christ, of complete carving and with multiple details. It is of neo-gothic style.

Church of San Juan: The Church of San Juan Bautista de San Juan de Coquihuil is also located in the commune of Dalcahue, in the area of San Juan. It is located on the coastal edge, very close to the sea and can be seen from afar. In addition to the church, in the locality of San Juan is the last shipyard of Chiloé, place where boats are repaired especially for artisanal fishing.

Church of Chelín: The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chelín is of neoclassical style and is located on the island of Chelín, commune of Castro. To get there you must take a boat from Castro to the island. In its back part there is a cemetery.

16.- Caguach Church:

The Jesús Nazareno de Caguach Church is located in the commune of Quinchao. It is the seat of the most important religious festivity of Chiloé, that of Jesus Nazareno, which takes place every year on August 30. The church has a large image of Jesus, with silver relics and a wooden frame. It is covered with larch shingles and built with cypress, canelo and laurel wood. To get there you must take a ferry from Dalcahue. The churches are just one of the attractions of Chiloé. In each of the towns you can enjoy its unique gastronomy, where the curanto, milcao, chapalele and all kinds of sweet pastries stand out. Do not miss the opportunity to take a wool souvenir in one of its craft fairs on palafitos and most importantly, the magic of the Isla Grande in your heart that will always make you come back.