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 Chilotan 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 example of mestizo culture.
The Churches of Chiloé were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 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.Berg Costa, Lorenzo (2005), Restauración Iglesias de Chiloé Conservando lo Infinito, Editorial Universitaria, p. 3,
Location The sixteen churches registered as part of the World Heritage Site are concentrated in the central eastern zone of the archipelago.
Code Name Commune Photo 971-001 Church of Achao Quinchao 971-002 Church of Quinchao Quinchao 971-003 Church of San Francisco Castro 971-004 Church of Rilán Castro 971-005 Church of Nercón Castro 971-006 Church of Aldachildo Puqueldón 971-007 Church of Ichuac Puqueldón 971-008 Church of Detif Puqueldón 971-009 Church of Vilupulli Chonchi 971-010 Church of Chonchi Chonchi 971-011 Church of Tenaún Dalcahue 971-012 Church of Colo Quemchi 971-013 San Juan Bautista Dalcahue 971-014 Our Lady of Sorrows Dalcahue 971-015 Church of Chelín Castro 971-016 Church of Caguach Quinchao
See also History of Chiloé Chilotan architecture
Notes
External links
World Heritage Evaluation: Churches of Chiloé Chile Nuestro Tourism - Chiloé and its Churches