Church and Convent of the Franciscan Recoleta, Santiago
In the seventeenth century, dedicated Christians of Santiago, who wished to stay away from secular pleasures and lead a life of sacrifice, would find refuge in the historic Franciscan Recoleta Convent. During the colonial era, travelers stopped here for compulsory prayers prior to heading up north of the country. Recoleta also has attracted many followers of the Franciscan friar Andresito who died here in 1853 and was attributed with miraculous powers.
The earthquake of 1730 did a lot of harm to the church and the convent, both of which were restored completely in 1811 and 1848, respectively, courtesy of Fermin Vivaceta, who also added decorations to the buildings for the sake of pleasing future generations. The restored church features neoclassic style and has a central nave and two lateral vaulted ones. The altar has been made in a Baroque style of unique, polychromatic wood.
The church, dedicated to the Virgin of the Summit, has an outstanding Baroque image of the Virgin featured on the altar. The church and convent of Franciscan Recoleta was declared a national monument of Chile in 1973.
The earthquake of 1730 did a lot of harm to the church and the convent, both of which were restored completely in 1811 and 1848, respectively, courtesy of Fermin Vivaceta, who also added decorations to the buildings for the sake of pleasing future generations. The restored church features neoclassic style and has a central nave and two lateral vaulted ones. The altar has been made in a Baroque style of unique, polychromatic wood.
The church, dedicated to the Virgin of the Summit, has an outstanding Baroque image of the Virgin featured on the altar. The church and convent of Franciscan Recoleta was declared a national monument of Chile in 1973.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santiago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Church and Convent of the Franciscan Recoleta on Map
Sight Name: Church and Convent of the Franciscan Recoleta
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santiago, Chile
Create Your Own Walk in Santiago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santiago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Recoleta Walking Tour
Established under the rule of Pinochet, Recoleta is perhaps the most famous of all the Santiago communes. It is undeniably one of Chile’s most multicultural places, replete with historic and architectural attractions: churches, parks and more.
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Bellavista Walking Tour
One of Santiago's most enigmatic neighborhoods, Bellavista is a lively and quirky area akin to Montmartre in Paris. Known for its bohemian culture and thumping nightlife, the district is dotted with casual pubs, low-lit cocktail bars, discos and numerous eateries serving fusion cuisine. Many of the city's esteemed intellectuals and artists live in Bellavista, following in the footsteps... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Santiago Introduction Walking Tour
Santiago is the political, financial, and cultural center of Chile. The capital city was founded on Santa Lucia Hill in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, Santiago offers history, gorgeous architecture, world-class museums, and fabulous markets.
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Santiago Shopping and Food Tour
Santiago is a busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact downtown bursting with exciting places to dine and shop. In recent years, Chile's affluence has prompted many international retailers to open their stores in the country's capital. Here you can shop practically for everything: from food to clothing to gifts and beyond, much as your bank account allows you.
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Historical Churches and Cathedrals
For a country relatively small in terms of population, Chile is quite rich in two things: coastline and churches. Thanks to the Spanish founders of the Chilean capital, the majority of Santiago’s temples are Catholic. Given that most of them are conveniently located in the downtown area, checking out these historic religious sites doesn’t take too much time.
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Made-in-Chile Goods to Bring Home from Santiago
Unlike the late 20th century, when Chile was largely associated with oppressive regime, today's Chile is known primarily for its premium wines and colorful crafts. If you're fortunate to visit the country's capital city Santiago de Chile, you will find yourself spoiled for choice with...