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Iglesia de Colo
Location

District

Quinchao

Our Lady of Loreto Church of Achao

ConstrucciónBluid

Built

1730

Patrono

Patrona

Our Lady of Loreto

FeastDay

Feast Day

December 10th or 3rd Sunday of October

The Church

Iglesia de Achao

The church of Achao is acknowledged as the oldest wooden building in Chile and sets itself apart from other Chilote churches with its lavish interior, characteristic of the Baroque style. Its main vault, as well as its altars, niches, and pulpit, are adorned with intricate and colorful wooden carvings.

It is noteworthy that the patroness of Achao's church is Our Lady of Loreto, as her image is not found in any other church of the archipelago. Until recently, her origin was unknown. Historical research revealed that she came from Lake Nahuelhuapi in Argentina, where a Jesuit mission was established to evangelize the Poya people. The missionary Nicolás Mascardi received a Marian image from the Viceroy of Peru for the temple that would be built there. During an uprising, the natives killed the missionaries and hid the image of the white woman that the missionaries had brought with them. Amidst the devastation, the image was found and transferred to Chiloé, where it became the patroness of the church of Achao. At Lake Nahuelhuapi, one can find an identical replica of the image of Our Lady of Loreto, which was given to the community of Bariloche in 2006.

One of the most important celebrations takes place on January 1st with a procession in which images of the Virgins from the rural chapels of the Achao parish are carried to the town of Achao.

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Area attractions

Check out this capsule and discover the attractions of the area!
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Humedal Villa Quinchao

Pin Uno

250 mts

from the church

Pin Dos

1 min

walking

In Chiloé, this biodiversity oasis captures the essence of wetlands. Home to unique species and tranquil landscapes.

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Mirador Alto La Paloma

Pin Uno

250 mts

from the church

Pin Dos

1 min

walking

Without a doubt, the best view of Achao.

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Chequian

Pin Uno

49 mts

from the church

Pin Dos

1 min

walking

Village in Chiloé that charms with its rural landscape and traditions. A place where time seems to stand still among fields and sea.

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Palqui Estero

Pin Uno

36,9 Km

from the church

Pin Dos

38 min

by car

Stream in Chiloé, a haven of biodiversity and landscapes that inspire tranquility. Perfect for nature lovers.

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Curaco de Vélez

Pin Uno

30 Km

from the church

Pin Dos

32 min

by car

Coastal town in Chiloé, famed for its tranquility, oysters, and traditional architecture. A journey to the island's heart.

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Humedal de Curaco

Pin Uno

34,7 KM

from the church

Pin Dos

38 min

by car

Ecological sanctuary in Chiloé, home to birds and biodiversity. A vital space for wildlife observation and natural connection.

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More information

Contact

Instagram

@rutaiglesiaschiloe

Instagram

www.rutaiglesiaschiloe.cl

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