Walking down Gallardo Street, most people just pass by this yellow church next to a school. Take a step back, though, and Iglesia de los Jesuitas’ architecture becomes more interesting. Upon the knoll behind is a

campanario, or bell tower. Built in 1872, this hidden treasure of Puerto Montt has somber, neo-Classic lines. It is crowned with an octagonal cupola.

Inside the natural alerce walls are painted with murals in pristine condition. The windows are covered with latticework. The chapel screens have High Gothic touches. Within the campanile’s octagonal tower are four bronze bells forged in Austria, rung only on special occasions.

Location:
Gallardo 269
Puerto Montt, Chile

Historical Building Types:
Churches and religious buildings

Travel Tips: Mass is daily at 7:30 p.m. To see the church at other hours, ask for the sacristal (sexton) at the reception of the Escuela San Francisco Javier, the blue building next door (to the right). He will open the church for you. The campanile is accessed by a path behind the schoolyard. The tower was built in 1894, the clock installed in 1905. No bats or Quasimodos hinder exploration.The sexton allows visits to the campanario Monday-Friday 4:30-5 p.m.; make arrangements beforehand.

The upper enclosed space to the left of the apse is where the cloistered nuns attended mass. Along the right wall are exhibits of vestments and other religious items.

Price Description: Free

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m., 3 p.m.

Open Hours to:Monday-Friday 1:30 p.m., 8 p.m., Saturday 1p.m., 7 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

Take a walking tour of the seafront promenade or out to the market at Angelmó. Visit the Museo de Monte Verde, Casa de Arte Diego Rivera or Museo Histórico Juan Pablo II. 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

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