About
Chiloé Churches are a set of wooden churches on the Chiloé Archipelago in Chile's Los Lagos Region, with Castro as the nearest town of note. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and are also known as the Iglesias de Chiloé or Wooden Churches of Chiloé.
What you will see
The churches were built by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their design brings together European and indigenous architectural traditions, so the buildings look different from the stone churches many visitors know. The timber construction is the feature that most often draws attention, and it gives each building a character of its own.
Why visit
- A visit suits travellers interested in religious architecture and the history of Jesuit missions in southern Chile.
- The churches are spread across the archipelago, so a visit can be part of a wider trip around Chiloé rather than a single stop.
- The setting in the Los Lagos Region gives the visit a rural, island atmosphere.
Planning your trip
Castro is the natural base for exploring the churches. For opening times, admission and the best way to reach individual churches, contact the site directly by telephone at +56 65 2633254 before you set out, as conditions can vary between churches.