Overview:

: The Church of San Francisco in Castro, Chile is the greatest of all the colonial churches in this part of the country. It was constructed towards the end of the 18th century and is distinguished by its exterior form and spacious interior. The general architecture of the building is marked by its red and white adobe brick facade, mud mortar, and adobe brick dome. Over the years, this beautiful church has undergone several restorations and additions. The original four-maned polychromed wooden main entrance doors, hand-carved galleries, and fine adobe brickwork still remain intact today. Inside, there is a stunningly painted interior with a central nave placed between two side aisles and well preserved wooden altars. The beautiful stained glass windows and cedar ceiling make it an inviting prayer site for visitors to this traditional city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

The Church of San Francisco in Castro, Chile, is a picturesque Roman Catholic church located in the old colonial city of Castro. It was built in the 17th century, and is a major tourist attraction due to its beautiful Baroque-style architecture. The church is known for its two 56 meter high towers, which look out over the city. The interior of the church is decorated with various religious murals, marble sculptures, and stained glass windows. The Church of San Francisco is also home to the oldest public library in Chile, as well as the ruins of a convent from the 16th century. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

San Francisco in Castro, Chile was established in 1608 by the missionary Fray Juan de Santander, and was the first Catholic temple built in the area. The building was constructed of wood, with an adobe tower located in its center. The church's original entrance was located at the northern side of the building. Over the centuries, the building has gone through several renovations. In 1773, it was reconstructed in stone, and a belltower was placed at the northern side. In the middle of the 19th century, the building was remodeled in neoclassical style. In 1965, the church's façade was reconstructed and the church was declared a National Monument of Chile. During the Pinochet regime in Chile, the church was used as a detention center and prison. Today, San Francisco de Castro is the largest Catholic church in the city of Castro. The church is frequented by both locals and tourists. Inside the temple are several beautiful frescoes and sculptures, along with a large organ donated by Pope John Paul II in the 1980s. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of San Francisco in Chile is located on the Central Square of Valparaiso, and was originally built in 1650. 2. It is the oldest church in Valparaiso, and the first Peruvian-style church built there. 3. The church is noted for its colorful and detailed façade, which is composed of several churches, including the Church of the Concepcion, the Church of Jesus and the Church of the Assumption. 4. Inside the San Francisco church there are several sacred works of art, such as a painting of the Last Supper and a statue of Saint Francis. 5. It is said that in the basement of the Church you can find mummies from the 18th century, when mummification was used for medical purposes and the mummies in the basement were said to have been used for that purpose by the Franciscan priests. 6. The church has been declared a National Monument of Chile by the National Historic Monuments Council, and since 2003 it serves as the main venue for the annual Valparaíso International Film Festival. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.