Churches and chapels in Chiloé Island

Chiloé is home to a unique collection of timber churches, built primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries. These structures represent the Chilota School of Religious Architecture, blending European Jesuit and Franciscan designs with indigenous shipbuilding techniques. Characterized by their use of native woods like larch and cypress, many of these chapels feature distinctive shingle cladding and vaulted interiors, reflecting the deep-rooted maritime and religious heritage of the archipelago.

Churches and Chapels — Map

Sarah and Iain from London, UK / CC BY 2.0

A

Iglesia San Antonio

Small wooden chapel built according to traditional Chilota techniques.

Lin linao / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Church of San Francisco, Castro

The Church of San Francisco, located on one side of the Plaza de Armas of Castro, Chile, is the main Catholic church of Chiloé’s capital.

Karina Morales Villanueva / CC-BY-SA

C

Iglesia Cucao

Timber church located on the Pacific coast near the entrance to Chiloé National Park.

D

Iglesia San Antonio de Chacao

Traditional wooden church located in the historic gateway village of Chacao.

E

Iglesia San Juan de Chadmo

Rural timber church serving the Chadmo community in the southern part of the island.

F

Capilla Butalcura

Simple roadside chapel reflecting the local timber architecture of central Chiloé.

G

Capilla de Puchaurán

Traditional wooden chapel located in the rural Puchaurán sector.

H

Capilla Curaco de Vilupulli

Small timber-framed chapel following the classic architectural style of the archipelago.

I

Capilla Teupa

Historic wooden chapel known for its traditional shingle cladding.

J

Iglesia de Queilen

Coastal church in Queilen, featuring a distinctive wooden facade and tower.

K

San Sebastián

Small rural chapel dedicated to Saint Sebastian, often used for local religious festivities.

L

San Jose

Traditional wooden chapel located in the rural interior of the island.

M

Capilla Molulco

Timber chapel situated in the coastal Molulco area.

N

Iglesia

Small rural church built with local timber.

O

Capilla

Traditional wooden chapel in the southern sector of the island.

P

Virgen

Small religious shrine and place of worship located near the southern coast.

Q

Iglesia Católica

Catholic church featuring the classic timber construction characteristic of the region.

R

Capilla Degañ

Roadside chapel located in the Degañ sector, serving the local rural community.

S

Iglesia

Traditional wooden place of worship in the northern part of the island.

T

Parroquia Manao

Parish church in the village of Manao, showcasing traditional Chilota architecture.

U

Iglesia Hueldén

Coastal wooden church located in the Hueldén area near Ancud.

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