The so-called Chilote School of religious wood architecture combines the Central European tradition of the tower-facade, the Latin basilica plan and the knowledge of local wood craftsmen.
It developed mainly in the Chiloé archipelago in the 17th century, reaching its mature form in the mid-19th century, having among its main exponents the 16 churches declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. On this tour we visit some of them, starting from Dalcahue.
Dalcahue
It is only 25 kilometers north of Castro and although it is a small city, it is charming. We especially recommend visiting its Plaza de Armas and its waterfront. But on this tour, we chose Dalcahue as a starting point to explore the interesting wooden churches. The very meaning of the word Dalcahue reveals this importance, since in the Mapudungun language of Chiloé Dalkawe means place of dalcas, that is, the three-plank boat originally used by the Chonos and whose use spread to all the cultures of the archipelago.
Our Lady of Sorrows of Dalcahue
It is located in the Plaza de Dalcahue. It has a portico with nine arches (only decorative, since the true support is a lintel on posts), and an octagonal tower with two bodies. Its construction dates back to the second half of the 19th century.
To get there, take a ferry from Dalcahue and tour the beautiful Quinchao island where you can see 3 churches: Achao, Curaco de Vélez (not part of the 16) and Quinchao.
Saint Mary of Loreto de Achao
The construction of the central nave and the side naves was carried out by the Jesuits and dates back to 1730, making it the oldest church in Chiloé and the oldest wooden church in Chile. In its construction, apart from larch, mañío and cypress boards were used. In the thick work of the structure, wooden dowels were used and it is set in stone. To join the boards, wooden dowels were initially used, so it was erected without nails, using wooden assemblies and later forging nails, extracted from the wreck of the English frigate Wager on the island coast. Particularly beautiful is the roof of the central nave and the image that is venerated there. They say that it is the same one that was given by the viceroy of Peru to the priest Nicolás Mascardi and that after the destruction of his mission it was rescued on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Then it was taken to Chile. We don’t know if it’s true or not, but they are charming stories.
Our Lady of Grace Church of Quinchao
After visiting the Church of Achao you can continue the route to Quinchao to see its church. Its construction in its initial form was completed in 1880, using cypress, cinnamon and hazelnut wood. Throughout its history it underwent successive reforms and restoration works.
San Judas Tadeo Church
Also on the island of Quinchao, this small church is located in the Plaza de Curaco de Vélez, it was built in native wood and covered in larch shingles and its color stands out. The interior is all neatness and shine of the wood. Once again we clarify that it is not part of the 16 most important heritage churches in Chiloé. In 1971, while the process to declare it a national monument was underway, a fire consumed its old wooden structure, and it was later rebuilt.
From the Achao ramp there are boats and barges that leave and arrive at Caguach Island.
Jesus Nazareno Church of Caguach
The church was devastated by a fire in September 1919, but thanks to the union of five island towns, the sanctuary was rebuilt as an offering. Every August 30, the festival of Jesus the Nazarene is celebrated in this church, a tradition that dates back to 1778 when the image of Jesus arrived on the island.
The distance from Dalcahue to Rilán is 24 km and the time it may take to go by car is 25 minutes.
Saint Mary of Rilan
This church began its construction on January 12, 1908, finishing its skeleton in August of the same year and then finishing its construction in 1920. At the beginning of the construction the wood was brought from Dalcahue, but after complications with transportation with oxen, The people of Rilán decide to transport it on rafts. Due to this, the types of wood used throughout the church are varied, such as tepa in its structure, ulmo in the covering, cypress in windows, larch shingles, among others.
From Dalcahue there are 32 km until you reach this small fishing village called San Juan.
St. John’s Church
Its construction was completed in approximately 1887. And it underwent modifications in the 1960s and was restored again in 2000. As you can see, it does not have the characteristic arches present in other examples but rather 3 semicircular ones.
You can reach by carTenaún which is 24 km north To Dalcahue.
Our Lady of the Patronage of Tenaún
It is distinguished because it has three towers and its painting is very scenic and striking. As in all Chilote churches, local wood was used. The church is set on a base of stones and coigüe wood. Its structure is mainly composed of tepa, taenium and cinnamon wood.
From Tenaún you can follow Quenchi.
San Antonio de Colo
It dates back to 1785, and the current construction was made approximately in 1890 with cypress and coigüe wood. It is distinguished from all because it is located in a high area.
The churches of Chiloé are a unique synthesis resulting from the push for the construction of churches by European priests who contributed typologies and construction techniques from their countries, together with the Chilote carpenters who developed their own techniques, many of which were inspired by the construction of ships.
