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Church · Calama, Antofagasta
Catedral San Juan Bautista
Cathedral in downtown Calama, facing Plaza 23 de Marzo, with a dome and copper cladding—the metal that underpins the city's economy.
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 Catedral San Juan Bautista
The Catedral San Juan Bautista is Calama's main church and faces the Plaza 23 de Marzo in the city centre. The building was erected in the early 20th century and renovated at the beginning of the 21st century.
In the renovation, the roof and the dome were fitted with a copper covering, donated by Codelco, the state company that operates Chuquicamata. The reddish metal atop the church recalls the city's ties to mining.
The Plaza 23 de Marzo marks the date of 1879 when Chilean troops occupied Calama at the start of the War of the Pacific. In March the city celebrates the anniversary with a month of events and a parade at the Topáter field, east of the centre.
Around the square are shops, restaurants and the pedestrian promenade on Ramírez street, the busiest stretch of downtown.
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
About 30 minutes, including the plaza.
Best time
Late afternoon is the busiest time in the plaza and on the promenade. The church interior is open during mass times and for services.
How to get there
It's located in downtown Calama, at Plaza 23 de Marzo, about 6 km from the airport and a few blocks from the bus terminals.
Tip
Use a layover or a night in Calama to walk around downtown. In March, check the city's anniversary program.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral San Juan Bautista
Why does Calama's cathedral have copper?
The copper covering of the roof and dome was donated by Codelco, linked to the mining that drives the city.
What does the name Plaza 23 de Marzo mean?
It commemorates March 23, 1879, when Chilean troops occupied Calama at the start of the War of the Pacific.
What to do around Calama's cathedral?
Stroll through the plaza and along the pedestrian promenade on Ramírez street, with shops and restaurants.