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Historic church · Castro, Los Lagos
Iglesia de San Francisco de Castro
A neo-Gothic wooden igreja in Castro’s Plaza de Armas, with a yellow and lilac façade and 42-meter towers. It is part of the churches of Chiloé listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Iglesia de San Francisco de Castro
The Igreja de San Francisco occupies the corner of San Martín and Latorre streets, facing Castro’s Plaza de Armas. The town was founded in 1567 and there has been a church on the same site since the beginning, but earlier temples were lost to fires. The present building was erected between 1910 and 1912.
The design is by Italian architect Eduardo Provasoli, and the work was carried out by Chilote carpenters led by Salvador Sierpe. The structure uses native woods such as alerce, cypress and coigüe; the exterior is clad with galvanized iron sheets. The two towers reach 42 meters, and the octagonal dome above the presbytery reaches 32.
Inside, the wood is unapologetically visible: raulí and olivillo in the vaults and in the semicircular arches, stained glass in the windows and images such as Saint Michael the Archangel and San Alberto Hurtado. There is also a replica of the Nazareno from the church of Caguach, one of the archipelago’s oldest devotions.
The church has been a Historic Monument since 1979 and entered UNESCO’s list in 2000, together with fifteen other wooden churches of Chiloé. Unlike the others, which are of simpler style, this one follows the neo-Gothic. About 3 km south of the center, the church of Nercón, also a world heritage site, can complement the visit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 20 to 40 minutes for the interior and façade. Add more time if you want to stroll around the Plaza de Armas.
Best time
In the morning the church is usually quieter. The façade shows well on cloudy days, which are common in Castro, and at night the towers are illuminated. The patron saint festival is on October 4.
How to get there
It sits in the Plaza de Armas, in the center of Castro, a few steps from the bus terminal on San Martín street. From Mocopulli aerodrome it’s about 20 km by road to the square.
Tip
It is an active place of worship: avoid entering during services and speak quietly. Check opening hours before going. Around the square there are cafés and places to try milcao, a grated-potato bread typical of the island.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Iglesia de San Francisco de Castro
Is the Iglesia de San Francisco the cathedral of Chiloé?
No. Many people call it a cathedral, but the diocesan seat is in Ancud. In Castro, it is the parish's main church.
What is the church in Castro made of?
The structure is made of native woods such as alerce, cypress and coigüe, and the interior uses raulí and olivillo. The exterior cladding is painted galvanized iron sheets.
Why is the church a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It is part of the group of wooden churches of Chiloé, inscribed in 2000, which demonstrates the blend of missionary tradition with local carpentry.