Ancestral and vernacular architecture as contemporary heritage, tourist and cultural resource. The case of the “palafitos” and the route of the 16 UNESCO heritage churches of Chiloé, Chile

Vernacular architecture in Chile's Chiloé, including stilt houses ('palafitos') and 16 UNESCO-listed churches, serves as a valuable contemporary heritage resource that balances cultural preservation with tourism. This study highlights how these unique structures—rooted in ancestral traditions—maintain their authenticity while attracting visitors without succumbing to gentrification. The research analyzes a complete palafito and a church from both architectural and constructive perspectives, alongside media coverage and interviews, to assess their role as tourist and cultural assets. Findings underscore the need for balanced conservation strategies that protect these sites' identity while leveraging their global significance.

Pareti, S., Rudolph, L., Flores, D., & Valdebenito, V. (2022). Ancestral and vernacular architecture as contemporary heritage, tourist and cultural resource. The case of the “palafitos” and the route of the 16 UNESCO heritage churches of Chiloé, Chile. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1026(1), 12051. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1026/1/012051