Iglesia San Francisco de Castro

Top choice in Chiloé


Italian Eduardo Provasoli chose a marriage of neo-Gothic and classical architecture in his design for the elaborate Iglesia San Francisco, one of Chiloé's Unesco gems and finished in 1912 to replace an earlier church that burned down (which had replaced an even earlier church that had also burned down).

The church is an unconventional visual delight – yellow with violent and mauve trim. Inside, the varnished-wood interior is stunning. It is best to visit on a sunny day – if you are lucky enough – as the interior is more charming when illuminated by the rows of stained-glass windows.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chiloé attractions

1. Museo Regional de Castro

0.12 MILES

This museum, half a block south from Plaza de Armas, houses a well-organized collection of Huilliche relics, musical instruments, traditional farm…

2. Puente Gamboa Mirador

0.35 MILES

The east side of the bridge into town offers the best viewpoint for Palofitos Gamboa.

3. Feria Alcalde José Sandoval Gomez

0.66 MILES

Castro's well-conceived fresh market, new in 2017, is located a bit off the beaten path but is worth a trip for its colorful architecture and wide range…

5. Santa Maria de Rilán

7.41 MILES

Rilán's Santa Maria de Rilán church, one of Chiloé's Unesco-listed houses of worship, is fashioned from a potpourri of the island's native hardwoods…

6. Crafts Fair

9.1 MILES

You'll find the island's most authentic arts and crafts here, dominated by sweaters, socks, and hats woven from oveja (wool) and dyed with natural…

7. Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores

9.23 MILES

Founded in 1849, this church is another one of the island's 16 protected by Unesco. A complete restoration was finished in 2015, which gave everything a…

8. Mirador Alto la Paloma

11.15 MILES

If you're driving into Achao, don't miss this cinematic viewpoint along the road just a few kilometers outside town – the whole of Achao Bay, neighboring…