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People have said that the Chiloé Churches, the most influential group of wooden structures, are the most important wooden buildings in all of Latin America. These churches are amazing examples of how European styles and local craftsmanship can work together. Their symbols show how a true mestizo culture grew from the ideas of both native people and Jesuits. In the tradition of Minga or community service, many of the repairs were done by trained local volunteers.
The Chiloé Archipelago is a group of islands near the coast of Chile’s Los Lagos Region. This region is home to several churches found in Chiloé. About seventy churches were constructed in this area as part of a “Circular Mission,” initiated by the Jesuits in the 17th century and continued by the Franciscans in the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively. One of the most well-known examples of Chilota architecture is found on the island of Chiloé and is known as the Churches of Chiloé. This architectural style is unique to the Americas.
Chiloé Churches – A World Heritage Site
The World Heritage Site comprises sixteen churches, all located in the centre and eastern forego. The churches were chosen because they are strong representations of their category as a whole and have the most significant group of wooden structures.
The Catholic Diocese of Ancud, which includes Chiloé’s sixteen churches, may be found on the island of Ancud. They are administered by the Bishop of Ancud and the parish priests with the assistance of the Friends of the Churches of Chiloé Foundation, a non-profit organisation under the leadership of the bishop that was established to safeguard and enhance the churches.
The Churches of Chiloé are unique in Latin America since they are the only ones of their sort in the region. They are a wonderful illustration of the use of wood in a religious building. They are an example of an age-old practice initiated by the Jesuits during the 17th and 18th centuries as part of their Peripatetic Mission, carried on and developed by the Franciscans during the 19th century, and continue to be used in modern times. These churches exemplify the intangible wealth of the Chiloé Archipelago and stand as a testament to a successful fusion between European styles and local craftsmanship, the complete integration of its architecture into the landscape and environment, as well as the spiritual values of the communities. They also bear witness to the spiritual values of the communities.
Vilupulli Church of Castro, in Chiloe, Chile
Society of Jesus, popular as the Jesuits, was founded in Spain in the 1530s. People in European colonies throughout the “New World” converted to Christianity because of them. They were dispatched to the most distant corners of the globe as the primary means of spreading Christianity by the Catholic Church.
Church of Castro
On Chiloé, the Jesuits wanted a more permanent presence, so they began to build several small churches all over the island, most of them in and around the congregation of Castro, which is now the fishing village of Castro. The villages of Quinchao, Chonchi, and Cailin were the places that got churches. But these weren’t just regular churches built in the typical Spanish style of the time; they were made entirely of wood from the island of Chiloé.
Structure of the Chiloé Churches
Traditional wood-framed structures are still prevalent in Chiloé. The use of shingles made from the lovely and natural Alerce tree on the roof and front of the building distinguishes Chilote architecture as unique architecture. Alerce shingles can survive the rain and wind on the islands, making them ideal for roofs. The Alerce shingles were formerly used as currency.
The wood-built Chiloé Churches are still standing strong today. There are certain commonalities among the islands’ 16 World Heritage-listed churches. Large, horizontal volumes with gabled roofs and lofty towers are typical of the Chiloé missionary church structures. All-wood décor and furnishings provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Their core structure hasn’t altered even if they’ve been rebuilt or repaired.
The Chiloé Churches have been referred to as Latin America’s most influential group of wooden structures. These cathedrals show how well European design and regional artistry complement one another. A real mestizo culture was born out of the ideals of both indigenous people and the Jesuits.
Conclusion
Almost the majority of them were built of wood by local craftsmen. There was one in every town, hamlet, and small community on the island’s eastern coast that was erected between the 18th and early 20th centuries. That phrase “nearly completely of wood” really means it. They utilised alerts and cypress trees on the island for the wooden frame, siding and trim, doors and windows, and wood shingles that cover the side and roof of these structures since these trees are resistant to decay.
