The architecture of the cathedral built in 1856 by Matias Doggenweiler and August Trauttmann was inspired by the simple lines of the Parthenon in Athens.

The church is built of alerce (fitzroya cupressoide) wood and topped with a copper cupola. Rectangular blocks of stained glass form the front wall and from the tympanum a brightly painted Christ and host of angels gaze upon those entering the sanctuary. Only ribbed Doric columns divide the nave from the side aisles, which are decorated with large paintings of Christ's life, while lunette windows illuminate the space. To the left of the square-ended apse is the capilla de San Francisco de Sales, a neo-Gothic-styled chapel covered with murals.

The cathedral is one of Puerto Montt's oldest edifices. It measures 40 meters (130 feet) long, 15 meters (49 feet) wide and 33.5 meters (109 feet) high. The church

had other incarnations, as a theater and in the 1880s as an army barrack. Then in1896 it was reconsecrated as a church dedicated to the Virgin of mount Carmel.

Location:
Urmeneta, between San Marti­n and

O'Higgins, Plaza de Armas
Puerto Montt, Chile

Historical Building Types:
Churches and religious buildings

Travel Tips: Masses: Monday-Saturday noon and 7p.m., Sundays and holidays 8 a.m.,10 a.m., noon. The cathedral is sometimes open at other hours. If going to visit during mass hours,

please be respectful of the service.

Price Description: Free

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

Take a walking tour of the seafront promenade or out to the market at Angelmó. Visit the Museo de Monte Verde or Casa de Arte Diego Rivera. Make a day trip to Puerto Varas and other villages around Lago Llanquihue, or to villages along the Pacific coast East of Puerto Montt or South along the coast of Seno de Relonaví. Hike in Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales or Parque Nacional Alerce Andino.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 29 Jan 2009

Updated: 29 Jan 2009

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel