Castro Chile

Castro Chile

The distinctive character of the island has been influenced by 200 years of isolation from the mainstream of Spanish colonial development as well as its dependence on the sea. Chiloes culture and heritage is based on a population of early Spanish settlers and indigenous indians. Religious and secular architecture, customs and crafts as well as delightful landscapes contribute to Chiloé’s uniqueness. Although it is often cold and foggy, the island is very attractive in sunny weather.

Chiloé was claimed for Spain by Martin Ruiz de Gamboa in 1567. The few Spaniards who settled here divided the lands of the indigenous population between them. A Mapuche uprising in 1598 on the mainland left the small Spanish community of about 200 settlers on Chiloé isolated. During the 17th century, Chiloé was served once a year by a single ship from Lima, Peru. When Chiloe was attacked by Dutch pirates and violent earthquakes caused extensive destruction, the Spanish population asked the Viceroy in Lima for permission to leave.

Although their request was refused, the islanders were loyal to the Spanish Crown in South America and when Chile rebelled, the last of the Spanish Governors sought refuge on Chiloe.

Jesuits played a major role in the island’s cultural development. They established missions for the indigenous population and ordered the building of schools and churches. Today the island is dotted with nearly 150 churches, several of them dating from the 18th century.

Along with Santiago and La Serena, Castro is among Chiles oldest cities. It was the political capital of the Spanish Province until 1788, when it was replaced by Ancud. The city experienced a revival late last century with the boom in the timber industry and again in 1912 when the railway to Ancud was completed.

Castro is especially noted for its variety of styles in housing including the palafitos, which are dwellings built on stilts above the water. It also has a splendid cathedral, several museums and a renowned handicraft market, all of which make Castro an attractive place to visit. Its isolation has encouraged self-reliance and also a friendliness toward visitors that has changed little since Darwin remarked more than a century and a half ago, "I never saw anything more obliging and humble than the manners of these people."

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