Church of Chonchi facts for kids
UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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Location | Chonchi, Chiloé Island, Chiloé Province, Los Lagos Region, Chile |
Part of | Churches of Chiloé |
Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iii) |
Inscription | 2000 (24th Session) |
Area | 0.4 ha (0.99 acres) |
The Church of Chonchi, also known as the Church of St Charles Borromeo, is a beautiful Catholic church located in Chonchi. You can find it on the Chiloé Archipelago in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile.
This special church was named a National Monument of Chile in 1971. It is also one of 16 Churches of Chiloé that became UNESCO World Heritage Sites on November 30, 2000. This means it's recognized as super important to the world's history and culture!
The church's patron saint is Charles Borromeo. A patron saint is like a special protector. His feast day, a day to celebrate him, is on November 4.
The Church of Chonchi belongs to the San Carlos parish in Chonchi. A parish is a local church community. This parish is one of 24 that make up the Diocese of Ancud. A diocese is a larger area managed by a bishop.
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Discovering the Church of Chonchi
The Church of Chonchi is a fantastic example of the unique wooden churches found on the Chiloé islands. These churches are famous for their special building style. They were built by local people using traditional methods.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a big deal! It means the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization believes this church is very important. It needs to be protected for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future.
Why are the Churches of Chiloé special?
The Churches of Chiloé, including the Church of Chonchi, are unique because of their architecture. They combine European church designs with local building traditions. They are mostly made of wood, which is unusual for churches of their size.
The Patron Saint: Charles Borromeo
Charles Borromeo was an Italian cardinal who lived in the 1500s. He was known for his dedication to helping others and reforming the church. Many churches around the world are named after him.