A beautifully designed modern church and monastery of the 1960s. The site has been considered a link from city to the mountains. Walking up the main driveway gradually exposes the Andes before revealing the church. The church itself utilises a suspended cube design, and combines hard angles with sweeping curves.
The architects (both monks) are from the Valparaiso school that is known for its creative use of light. The design uses a variety of openings to create shifting ambient lighting within the church. Best seen in the early morning or late afternoon light. In the afternoon, the sun sets onto the Andes highlighting the details of the mountains.
There are 16 resident monks, who sometimes perform chants in the church during the evenings.
The location is on the edge of the city, but accessible by public transport from the city centre. It takes approx 1 hour. The site is within a wealthy neighbourhood of Santiago with some impressively designed homes. The church is open to the public however monastery may not be.
Published
September 21, 2026
