Iglesia de Santa María de Loreto

Iglesia de Santa María de Loreto Review

Achao's centerpiece is this 1706 church, oldest remaining house of worship on the archipelago. In addition to the alerce so commonly used to construct buildings in the region, the church also uses wood from cypress and mañío trees. Its typically unadorned exterior contrasts with the deep-blue ceiling embellished with gold stars inside. Rich baroque carvings grace the altar. Mass is celebrated Sunday at 11 am and Tuesday at 7 pm, but docents give guided tours in Spanish while the church is open. An informative Spanish-language museum behind the altar is dedicated to the period of Chiloé's Jesuit missions. All proceeds go to much-needed church restoration—termites have taken their toll.