Iglesia de la Matriz

In 1559, the Bishop of Santiago, Rodrigo Marmolejo, founded the first temple in Valparaiso, a small chapel that was really little more than a hut.

Wealthy local families developed the town and church giving it the distinctive architectural style that it has today.

In 1578, Sir Francis Drake was said to have devastated the port and looted the chapel, taking its treasures and a chalice of silver.

The church remained a ruin for over a decade until reconstruction began in 1837, finished in 1842, under the direction of priest Jose Antonio Riobío.

The church of a typical basilical style, but is built in a way to represent three ships in a rectangular fashion, separated by two waters.