Churches of Chiloé


The Churches of Chiloé in Chile's Chiloé Archipelago are a unique architectural phenomenon in the Americas, and one of the most prominent styles of Chilota architecture. Unlike classical Spanish colonial architecture, the churches of Chiloé are made entirely in native timber with extensive use of wood shingles. The churches were built from materials to resist the Chiloé Archipelago's humid and rainy oceanic climate.
Built in the 18th and 19th centuries when Chiloé Archipelago was still a part of the Spanish Crown possessions, the churches represent the fusion of Spanish Jesuit culture and local native population's skill and traditions; an excellent example of mestizo culture.
The Churches of Chiloé were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000. The University of Chile, Fundación Cultural Iglesias de Chiloé and other institutions have led efforts to preserve these historic structures and to publicize them for their unique qualities.

Location

The sixteen churches registered as part of the World Heritage Site are concentrated in the central eastern zone of the archipelago.
CodeNameCommune
971-001Church of AchaoQuinchao
971-002Church of QuinchaoQuinchao
971-003Church of San FranciscoCastro
971-004Church of RilánCastro
971-005Church of NercónCastro
971-006Church of AldachildoPuqueldón
971-007Church of IchuacPuqueldón
971-008Church of DetifPuqueldón
971-009Church of VilupulliChonchi
971-010Church of ChonchiChonchi
971-011Church of TenaúnDalcahue
971-012Church of ColoQuemchi
971-013San Juan BautistaDalcahue
971-014Our Lady of SorrowsDalcahue
971-015Church of ChelínCastro
971-016Church of CaguachQuinchao

Gallery