Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, Religious missions in Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia.
The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos are six churches built from timber in eastern Bolivia during the 17th and 18th centuries. Each combines baroque architectural forms from Europe with construction methods and decoration created by indigenous craftspeople who were central to the building process.
Spanish Jesuit priests founded these settlements starting in 1691 as mission stations in the then-unexplored eastern forests. The missions were dissolved in 1767 when Jesuits were expelled from Spanish colonies, yet the communities and churches remained and adapted to new circumstances.
The missions remain active places of worship and community life where local people maintain traditions and celebrate together throughout the year. The baroque musical heritage comes alive through performances during festivals, bringing centuries-old compositions into everyday gatherings.
The churches are spread across several towns that are accessible on foot or by local transport. Guided visits allow you to explore each location and learn about the building methods, architectural features, and daily operations of the communities living there.
Unlike many other South American missions that fell into abandonment, these churches remain inhabited and actively used by local communities today. The wooden structures showcase craftsmanship techniques that emerged from a specific blend of European and indigenous building traditions, creating something found nowhere else.
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