Baroque Churches of the Philippines: A Timeless Glimpse

The Philippines is home to numerous, centuries old Spanish colonial churches and many of these were declared as national cultural treasures. Four of the most celebrated Roman Catholic churches in the country were designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Heritage Sites in 1993 under the title of Baroque Churches of the Philippines.  Their outstanding architectural style is a Filipino representation of European baroque using local materials combined with other Asian elements.

I’m proud to have visited all the four UNESCO inscribed Philippine baroque churches and I consider it as a glorious achievement. Completing this part of my journey has been my goal since I started to have a strong interest on historical and heritage sites. I admire the well-defined artistry of these gorgeous looking structures and fascinated with their magnificent aura. A stopover is highly recommended to these sites and you may include these attractions as part of your itinerary.

So let’s take a closer look at the four on the list:

1.) St. Augustine Church (Paoay, Ilocos Norte)

The Church of St. Augustine is located in the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Popularly known as Paoay Church, is an iconic landmark in the Ilocandia. Its construction by the Augustinian friars started in 1694. It was completed in 1894 was rededicated on that same year.

Paoay Church is a best example of earthquake Baroque architecture. Twenty four massive rows of buttresses creates a fantastic highlight which serves as a support during earthquakes. The striking façade displays a mixture of Oriental and Gothic artistry. It is the only one among the four that stands majestically on a central plaza which follows the Spanish tradition in building churches. The corners of its front lawn is the best spot to appreciate Paoay church's grandeur and be awed by its post card perfect view.
 

The detached coral stone bell tower stands a few meters away from the church where it served as an observation post in 1896 by the locals during the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards and again by the Filipino guerillas in World War II. The entrance to the bell tower was open during my visit and I had the chance to climb its narrow, shaky, wooden staircase.
 

I had the oppurtunity to visit Paoay twice during my solo backpacking trip in Ilocos Norte. The entire coral stone structure was in classic, pre historic look when I first visited the church in 2011. The church had undergone a thorough restoration which started in March 2012. By the time I revisited Paoay church in 2013, the whole structure was beautifully enhance where the elements of its design are more refined and smoother in appearance.

The post card perfect view of Paoay Church

A lovely day in Paoay

2.) Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church (Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur)

Our Lady of the Assumption Church also known as Sta. Maria Church is another famous heritage site in Ilocos Sur aside from Vigan. Built in 1765 by the Augustinian order, the parish of Sta Maria started as a chapel of ease of Narvacan and became an independent ministry in 1769 dedicated to the Virgin Mary depicted as our Lady of the Assumption. 

The church is much more like a citadel surrounded by defensive walls where it sits gracefully on top of a hill. You can reach the church by climbing the 85 steps of its grand staircase made of granite blocks. The elevated position of Sta Maria Church provides an overlooking view of the town proper. Huge buttresses surround the church walls which serve as a support during earthquakes. The structure was built entirely of red bricks and mortar which complements its solid architecture giving that classy and refined look. 

The free standing, pagoda like bell tower is separated from the main church to prevent from possible damage during earthquakes. In front of the church is its convent where it partly blocks the façade.

I wasn't really impressed with Sta. Maria Church at first and I noted it as plain looking like those common Spanish-era churches in the country. But after paying more attention of its details and observing the elements, I was convinced that the church deserves to have that one of a kind distinction as a heritage site.

The town of Sta. Maria was my last stop during my first solo backpacking trip in Ilocos Norte in 2011. I vowed to myself that I shouldn’t miss Ilocos Sur’s another noteworthy and historical marker so I included it on my itinerary. Sta. Maria church was the third one that I have visited among the four churches.

 

 

 The UNESCO marker at the backside of the church.

3.) Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church (Miag-ao, Ilo-ilo)

The Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church is within the municipality of Miag-ao, around 25 miles southwest of Iloilo City, in Western Visayas. Built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries, it was completed in 1797. It is a finest example of fortress baroque architecture.

Miag-ao church exudes a Romanesque-Baroque style. The soft, warm yellowish brown color of the structure is mainly from the adobe and limestone used on its construction which were quarried from the nearby town of San Joaquin. Thick walls and flying buttresses suggest that the structure served both as a church and fort since its early beginnings.

What impresses me is the marvelous façade of Miag-ao church which is a mixture of Spanish, Chinese, Muslim and local artistry. It features St. Christopher carrying the infant Jesus clinging on a coconut tree surrounded by papaya and guava trees. The stone figure of St. Thomas of Villanueva dominates the center.The church’s simple interior is highlighted by a striking gold-plated retablo near the altar.

The two massive bell towers of uneven heights are attached to the main church serves as a watchtower to defend the town against invasion of Muslim pirates in the 16th to the 19th century. I felt I was standing in front of a Medieval European castle while gazing at the whole church.


Although each of the four churches have their own set of unique charm and beauty, the overall craftsmanship of Miag-ao church is indeed a product of an exceptional creativity. I must say that Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church is the most attractive and the most captivating among all the UNESCO heritage churches in the Philippines. And the main reason why I visited the province of Iloilo is to behold the splendor of this one of a kind Filipino masterpiece.

Amazing..Isn't it?

4.) San Agustin Church (Intramuros, Manila)

Located within the walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is the only structure that survive the liberation of Manila during the World War II. Built in 1589 under the direction of the Augustinian order, San Agustin is the oldest existing stone church in the Philippines that withstood wars, fires, earthquakes and other natural calamities.

I found the façade of San Agustin Church to be simple and lighter in appearance compared to the churches of Miag-ao and the Ilocos region. But the stylish interior is a contrast to its plain, lackluster exterior.

As I walked inside the San Agustin Church, I  was immediately attached to the glory of its inner charm. The elegant interior features a brilliant, three dimensional trompe-l'oeil ceiling paintings done by two Italian painters in 1875. Another points of interest inside the church includes the baroque pulpit with native pineapple as a motif, a very decorative altar, 17th century hand carvings choir loft seats ,the grand pipe organ and the set 16 beautiful huge chandeliers.

I didn't miss to go inside the monastery at the right side of the church where it also houses the San Agustin museum. The gallery holds the finest collection of Spanish era artifacts, ivory statues, paintings and other ornaments.

The church also holds the remains of several Spanish conquistadors (explorers) and other historical figures that includes the tomb of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the 1st governor-general of the Philippines and founder of the city of Manila.

This was the first church that I’ve visited since it is the nearest and the easiest one to visit among the four. It's been my Holy Week practice to have the traditional Visita Iglesia (7 Churches Visitation) within churches in Manila and San Agustin Church is my last stop.

There you have it, the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Visiting these architectural gems is truly an overwhelming experience. As I took a closer look on the details of these wonders, I was convinced why it deserves its UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription. Their stunning features clearly demonstrates its exceptional value to the people and undeniably one of the country’s outstanding legacy for generations.