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Chiloe's churches are UNESCO heritage sites, and are definately one of the most incredible attractions of the island.
Martín Ruiz de Gamboa, son-in-law of the Chile Kingdom Governor, Rodrigo de Quiroga, who appointed him this mission, founded the city of Castro, on the Chiloé archipelago. It was baptized as Santiago de Castro on February 1567. That same year the first temple was built, with the name of Santiago Apostle, which would be the base for the Evangelization of Chiloé´s indigenous people.
The temple was burnt and rebuilt on various occasions until its destruction in 1771. From then, it started being used as a parish an old Jesuit temple. There, the Franciscans established themselves, when they had just arrived from the Chillán School in 1768 and later, in 1711, those from the Ocopa School, in Peru.
The design is the work of the Italian architect Eduardo Provasoli. The temple was made by Chiloé carpenters, lead by Salvador Sierpe. The work stays away from the Chilota tradition in some aspects and keeps it in others: the design combines a neo-gothic and classical design with the local tradition. On the structure were used woods from the zone, such as larch, cypress, coihue and others that in Chiloé are called "coloradas" ("red"). The interiors are made out of rauli and olivillo. The front, ceiling and outside covers, are made out of galvanized iron.
On this place, one of the central square's sides, stands majestic the San Francisco Temple. Its construction, lead by that time's head of the convent, father Ángel Subiare, started in 1910 and finished in 1912.
It was declared Historical National Monument in 1979 and Mankind's Heritage before the UNESCO on December 2000.
Updated Feb 18, 2004
Address: By the main square
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Chiloe is well known for the many wool items it has. From scarves to sweaters, the wool is simply amazing. Quite warm and colorful. You can't leave Chiloe without buying some "chilote" sweater. You won't regret it on cold days.
Written Feb 17, 2004
Address: By the bay
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The only way to see the sea lions is to take a boat trip. If you haven't seen any, you'll find them quite interesting. You get very close to them, so you'll be able to take fine pictures.
Written Feb 17, 2004
Address: By the bay
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There are lot of fishermen boats that are used to travel around the bay. For $1000 pesos (less than US$2), you can have a 30 minute "drive" around Castro's bay, to see the city from another point of view.
Written Feb 17, 2004
Address: By the bay
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Walking around downtown is the best way to see Castro's amazing architecture. The many hill and the colorful houses makes this town quite beautiful.
Written Feb 17, 2004
Address: Everywhere
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Palafitos are a must-see of Castro. They are very well known over Chile, and are definately worth the visit.
The palafitos are houses on top of the water, with wooden sticks supporting them. I still don't understand why they weren't built on land, but they give Castro a different thing that no other town on the island has.
The wooden sticks have to be changed every 8 years, and the wood used there is called is from the "luma" tree: it's so hard and so heavy that is the only wood that doesn't float.
Written Feb 17, 2004
Address: By the bay
31 Opinions
9 Opinions
Cabanas Casa Blanca: Only 1 block from the main square
IIGUANA Says: These cabins for 4, 5 and 6 people (there is also a small hotel with single and double rooms) is very close to the main square. That's probably the best thing there is. They are very clean and not expensive.The owner is Mrs. Nely Saldivia. The bathroom. Probably the best...
El Mirador: Extremely good hostel in Castro
J_P_B Says: This is a great hostel, friendly owner, very comfy rooms, e-suite was clean and from what we could see the shared bathrooms were fine too. If you want a sea view make sure you book in advance the rooms are popular.If it rains (as it did with force when we were there) the...
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Fondest memory: To go to Castro ,there are frequent buses (20 times)from near by town like Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt,for me I stayed in Puerto Varas so I took bus from there(10.000 p./person) bus will pass Puerto Montt to pick up some other pax.At Pargua bus ferry across Canal de Chacao for 30min to Chiloe Island ,pass Ancud then to Castro.It takes about 3.30 hrs total...What to see...The world heritage wooden cathedral built in 1906 but the present one is a rebulit one in 1912 because of damage from cyclone in 1911....To see the nearest palafitos must be the one along Pedro Montt road,try to walk up further north, then you can see the perfect picture of them with water in the front view.The other palafitos you have to walk across the town to Castro fjord area ,there you'll see another good view of palafitos .
Written Mar 7, 2009
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Castro is the biggest city in the island of Chiloe. In fact, I would say that it's almost the only city, since the other towns around the island are actually towns. What makes Castro so fantastic is...
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