Location Chile Criteria ii, iii Address Chile | Type Cultural Reference 971-016 UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription 2000 | |
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UNESCO region Latin America and Caribbean Similar Church of Quinchao, Church of Aldachildo, Church of Chelín, Church of Ichuac, Church of Detif | ||
The Iglesia de Caguach (in English, Church of Caguach) is a Catholic church located on the island of Caguach, in the commune of Quinchao on the Chiloé Archipelago, southern Chile.
The Church of Caguach was declared a National Monument of Chile in 2000 and is one of the 16 Churches of Chiloé that were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites on 30 November 2000.
In 1919, the original Church of Caguach was destroyed completely by a fire, and rebuilt in 1925 by local inhabitants using wood, the material used in the original structure. This was the third church built in Caguach.
Its patron saint is Jesus of Nazareth, also the patron saint of the Church of Aldachildo, whose feast day is celebrated on August 30 and also on the third Sunday of January. This is the most important religious holiday of the Chiloé Archipelago, having been established originally in 1778 and encouraged by Spanish Franciscan missionary Fray Hilario Martínez, and the Church of Caguach forms the center of festivities, which involve music, dancing and processions. The image carried during the festivities represents Jesus during the Passion as he carries the cross, dressed in a purple robe and wearing a crown of thorns.