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Historic church · Puerto Varas, Los Lagos
Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
Wooden Catholic church built between 1915 and 1918 on one of the highest points of Puerto Varas, with a pointed tower and red roof visible from the whole waterfront.
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 del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
The Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús sits on a hill in downtown Puerto Varas, a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It was built between 1915 and 1918 by priests and residents connected to the German colonization, and soon became the city's symbol: from any point along the waterfront you can see the pointed tower and the red roof above the houses.
The building is entirely of native wood, with metal sheet cladding on the outside—a common solution in southern Chile to protect structures from rain. The design features a high nave and a central tower, in the style of inland German churches. Inside, wooden columns and vaults create a bright, quiet space.
The church is part of Puerto Varas's heritage zone, which brings together historic houses and buildings in the western part of downtown. Beside the temple there is a small lookout with views over the city's rooftops and Lago Llanquihue.
It is still an active church with regular masses. The visit is quick and pairs well with a walk among the wooden houses of the traditional district.
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 20 to 40 minutes, including the interior and the adjacent viewpoint.
Best time
During the day, outside mass times, when the interior can be visited calmly. In the late afternoon the façade gets low light and the lookout shows the lake in golden tones. Check beforehand whether the church is open to visitors.
How to get there
It is on Verbo Divino street, about 300 meters from the Plaza de Armas of Puerto Varas. The walking route includes a short uphill section through the downtown streets.
Tip
Enter quietly and avoid flash photography during services. After your visit, walk the surrounding streets to see the wooden houses from the colonists' era.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
When was the church in Puerto Varas built?
Between 1915 and 1918. It is one of the oldest buildings in the town and one of the most photographed in southern Chile.
Is the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón made of wood?
Yes. The structure is of native wood, with an external cladding of metal sheets to withstand the rain.
Do you have to pay to enter the church in Puerto Varas?
There is no charge for visiting, though visitors should respect mass times. Donations are welcome.