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Historic square · Puerto Montt, Los Lagos
Plaza de Armas de Puerto Montt
Central square of Puerto Montt, one block from the sea, with the wooden cathedral with a columned façade and, near the waterfront, the monument to German colonization.
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 Plaza de Armas de Puerto Montt
Plaza de Armas de Puerto Montt is the city's central square; the city was founded on February 12, 1853, when Vicente Pérez Rosales, a colonization agent, laid out the first streets in the former Melipulli inlet to receive German settlers. The plaza is one block from the waterfront of Bahía de Puerto Montt and features benches, gardens and the bustle of surrounding commerce.
In front of the plaza stands the Catedral de Puerto Montt, dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The façade has four Doric columns that recall the Parthenon, but the whole structure is made of native wood, with beams supported by twelve alerce columns. It was blessed as a parish in 1892, became a cathedral in 1939, and underwent repairs after the 1960 earthquake.
A few steps away, by the waterfront, is the square with the Monumento a la Colonización Alemana, which commemorates the arrival of the first settlers by sea. Nearby, the tower and church of the Padres Jesuítas are another landmark of the center. The waterfront continues in both directions toward Angelmó and Pelluco.
Puerto Montt is the capital of the Región de Los Lagos and the starting point for Chiloé, the Carretera Austral and cruises through the fjords, and the center mixes office buildings with old wooden houses.
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
One hour for the plaza, the cathedral and the waterfront in front.
Best time
During the day, when the cathedral is open and shops are operating. On clear days, the waterfront in front offers views of Volcán Calbuco across the bay.
How to get there
It is located in central Puerto Montt, about 1 km from the bus terminal along the waterfront. The buses (micros) from Puerto Varas pass nearby.
Tip
Combine the square with the walk along the waterfront to Angelmó. Respect Mass times when entering the cathedral.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza de Armas de Puerto Montt
Is Puerto Montt's cathedral made of wood?
Yes. Despite the columned façade that resembles a Greek temple, the structure is of native wood, with alerce columns.
When was Puerto Montt founded?
On February 12, 1853, as part of the German colonization of southern Chile, led by Vicente Pérez Rosales.
Is it worth spending a day in Puerto Montt?
Half a day is usually enough for the center and Caleta Angelmó. Many people use the city as a transit base for Puerto Varas or Chiloé.