St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Calama

St. John the Baptist Cathedral rises at Plaza 23 de Marzo in Calama, defined by its copper-clad roof and distinctive bell tower. The building displays solid architecture that reflects the regional heritage through its material choices.

Construction of the cathedral commenced in 1906 under Bishop Luis Silva Lezaeta and concluded with its consecration in 1965. The building emerged during a period of growth and development in Calama.

The cathedral serves as the main gathering place for Catholic worship and religious celebrations in Calama. It stands at the heart of the city and reflects the faith that remains central to local life.

The building sits centrally located at Plaza 23 de Marzo and is easy to reach on foot from downtown. The interior is generally open to visitors outside of service times.

The copper that covers the roof comes directly from the nearby Chuquicamata and Radomiro Tomic mines. This choice ties the religious building to the mining heritage that shapes Calama's identity.