The Church of the Sacred Heart is a very recognizable icon of Puerto Varas. With its backdrop of a snow-capped mountain behind a vast lake, this romanesque church adds a European charm to the village. It was built at the turn of the 20th century, based on a German church in the Black Forest. Attend a Sunday mass to enjoy the tranquil music flowing from the service.
The pretty church has red spires and oak frames, which make it look like a fairytale castle. Note the German style of the architecture, typical of this colonial commune. Since it is built atop a hill, it appears to hover over the rest of the small town. Capture photos of the church with the snow-capped Mount Osorno and the town’s lake in the background.
Climb up the steep hill to reach the entrance to the site. Step through the main portal and admire the interesting design of the nave. Gaze up at the blue and yellow domed ceiling. Yellow arches and columns line the sides of the nave. Beautiful stained-glass windows and chandeliers decorate the structure’s interior.
Enjoy a picnic in the small park next to the church. Relax on the grass with friends and family. A small grotto full of flowers and candles is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
German colonists built the church over three years from 1915, based on the designs of the Marienkirche in their home in the Black Forest. Its Spanish name is the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.
Check when services will be held in the church, as it is usually closed after mass. There is no entrance fee to look around the site.
The Church of the Sacred Heart is in the centre of Puerto Varas. Take a bus to the Del Salvador stop in the old town and walk for 2 minutes south up a hill to reach the church. It is in the centre of several parks, just four blocks west of the shore of Lake Llanquihue.
