Churches of Chiloé facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
Saint Mary Church (Iglesia Santa María) in Achao
|
|
| Location | Chiloé Archipelago, Chile |
| Includes |
|
| Criteria | Cultural: ii, iii |
| Inscription | 2000 (24th Session) |
The Churches of Chiloé are a group of special wooden churches found in the Chiloé Archipelago in Chile. They are famous because they are built in a unique way that mixes Spanish and local traditions. These churches are different from other old Spanish buildings in the Americas.
Instead of stone, these churches are made completely from local wood. They use many wood shingles, which are thin pieces of wood that overlap like roof tiles. This helps the churches stand strong against the rainy and wet weather of Chiloé.
The churches were built a long time ago, in the 1700s and 1800s. Back then, Chiloé was still part of Spain. The churches show how the Spanish Jesuit missionaries and the local people worked together. This mix of cultures is called mestizo culture.
In 2000, the UNESCO organization named the Churches of Chiloé a World Heritage Site. This means they are very important places that should be protected for everyone to see. Groups like the University of Chile help to keep these old churches safe and teach people about them.
Where are the Churches of Chiloé?
There are sixteen churches that are part of the World Heritage Site. They are mostly found in the middle-eastern part of the Chiloé islands. Each church has its own story and unique look.
.JPG)
.jpg)
See also
- History of Chiloé
- Chilotan architecture
