Heritage Churches in Ilocos Sur | Ilocos Region, Philippines
Posted by Potpot - 18443 Views
- February 18th, 2014
- in Destinations, Philippines
- One Comment
The churches of Ilocandia & in many other Spanish colonial towns in the Philippines are more than just architectural legacies. They speak of colonial religiosity, the unity of denominations as well as the religious divide it created in traditions within traditions.
Trailing the Holy Grail of Heritage Churches in Ilocos Sur
The Ilocos region is perhaps the holy grail of colonial churches in the country. The Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia sits in Vigan, the capital city of the southern half & the 3rd oldest Spanish settlement founded in 1572.
Being an important link in the Galleon Trade, Spanish settlements expanded across the region. Thus, the presence of many colonial-style architecture.
In essence, these heritage churches in Ilocos Sur are mostly adaptations of baroque architecture. It was a popular building style in the late 16th century in Europe. The constructions were led by frailes & put together by Filipino & Chinese labourers & artisans.
These designs were products of collective realities in those times, being: in a tropical & seismic environment. Also the available building materials & technology of that era. Most importantly, the various cultural influences that dictate its aesthetic value.
Santa Lucia Church
Santa Lucia
Built in 1856. Dedicated to the dark image of Santa Lucia. The only Renaissance inspired heritage church in Ilocos Sur. Characterized by simple symmetrical lines & a dome at the back of the façade. Feast day, December 13.
San Juan de Sahagun
Candon City
Built in 1695. Dedicated to San Juan de Sahagun of the Crown of Castille. Feast day, June 12.
Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion
Santa Maria
Built in 1765. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Done in massive earthquake baroque architecture. Moreover, it sits on top of a hill, accessed by long flight of steps made of piedra china. Feast day, August 15.
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
Vigan City
Built in 1754 in dedication to St. Paul. The bell tower edges Plaza Burgos. Adjacent to the church is the Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia.
San Agustin de Hippo
Bantay
Built in 1591. Also known as the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Caridad, the patroness of Nueva Segovia. To add, its bell tower is one of the most photographed sights in Ilocos Sur.
Santa Catalina de Alexandria
Santa Catalina
Built in 1795. One of the small heritage churches in Ilocos Sur exemplifying late baroque style where clean lines muted the usual ornate façade. It keeps an 1836 bell.
San Guillermo el Hermitanio
Magsingal
Built in 1927 in a Neo-Classical style. Nearby, is a 4-level octagonal bell tower built around the late 17th century. Feast day, February 10.
San Juan Bautista
San Juan
Built in 1799. Founded by the Augustinians as Visita of Cabugao in 1711. Feast day, June 24.
San Nicolas de Tolentino
Sinait
Built in 1660. Enshrined here is the image of Santo Cristo Milagroso, fondly called Apo Lakay. It is a pilgrimage site flocked by devotees every May 3.
San Marcos Evangelista
Cabugao
Way past Magsingal, in the town of Cabugao is the church of Cabugao built around 1695. Done in Baroque architecture with its belfry topped by a dome turret.
San Vicente Ferrer Church
San Vicente
Moreover, in the town of San Vicente is a massive Baroque church constructed in 1795. It has one of the most ornate facades among the heritage churches in Ilocos Sur. Feast day, April 5.
Santa Catalina de Alexandria
Santa
Built between 1849-1855 in Neo-Baroque. Interestingly, this church owes its added ambience being along the sea.
San Esteban Protomartyr
San Esteban
This parish takes its roots back to 1625 when it was attached to Nueva Coveta, now Burgos. Albeit small, this church reflects its Augustinian touches.
Santiago Apostol
Santiago
Every July 25, Santiago celebrates the feast of Santiago Apostol. His church, built in the late 18th century is a classic brick-and-stone architecture. Uniquely, its buttresses are circular unlike the usual stye in Ilocos.
Inmaculada Concepcion
Santa Cruz
The Parish of Immaculate Conception was constructed around 1641. Rebuilt several times due to earthquakes.
Santo Domingo Parish
Santo Domingo
Constructed in 1762. Diego Silang, a hero in the Ilocano revolt was a bell-ringer in this church.
San Ildefonso Parish
San Ildefonso
Although far from its original look in 1769, this church in San Ildefonso still brings touches of the bygone times.
San Agustin
Tagudin
This church in Tagudin is one of the visited heritage churches in Ilocos Sur. Completed around the early 1880s.
Church of Narvacan
Narvacan
Done in 1587, the Church of Narvacan is declared as a National Historical Landmark.
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Note: This is a work in progress. More to be added on this post soon.
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[…] Sur) Among the four UNESCO recognized earthquake baroque churches, the church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur is the only one prominently constructed on a hill. It can be ascended on a wide flight of stairs […]