UNESCO's Churches of Chiloe in Chile

Besides the aging churches of Chile, those of Chiloé are unique examples of ecclesiastical wooden architecture. They represent a tradition initiated by the Jesuit Peripatetic Mission in the 17th and 18th centuries. These churches embody the richness of the Chiloé Archipelago. They are a successful fusion of indigenous and European culture, the full integration of its architecture in the landscape and environment, as well as the spiritual values of the communities.

Along with the churches in the Chiloé archipelago off the coast of Chile, the mestizo culture resulting from Jesuit missionary activities has survived to the present day. This isolated archipelago was colonized by the Spanish in the mid-16th century and the Jesuits arrived in 1608.

The churches are distinguished by an indigenous tradition of building in wood strongly influenced by boat-building techniques, as shown by the forms and jointing of the tower and roof structures, and located on hills to be seen by navigators and to prevent flooding.