Baroque Churches

of the Philippines

Submitted by:

Aries Vincent Palacio

1. Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miag-ao, Iloilo

One of the Philippine churches with baroque design is the church of Santo Tomas de
Villanueva in Iloilo. It is among the best examples of the “fortress baroque” style in the
country. Built of local yellow-orange sandstone, this baroque church stands on the
highest elevation of the town and was completed in 1797. The church withstood
typhoons and earthquakes and was burned twice: the first was during the revolution
against Spain in 1898 and the second was during the Philippine-American War.

And did you know that Filipino master carvers incised this Philippines church’s entire
surface? The church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva is one of the best examples of the
fusion of the western Baroque style embellished with Filipino folk motifs.
2. Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

In the far north of the Philippines stands a heritage site amid sprawling green lawn
and brick walkways. Also known as Paoay Church, this church in Philippines is
popular for its 24 extravagant coral-block buttresses and ornate stone finials. While
Paoay Church’s construction began in 1604 and was completed in 1710, its coral
stone bell tower, standing at some distance from the church, was finished in the
second half of the 18th century. In the Philippines, bell towers were intended to be
constructed at a distance from the main church structure to avoid its falling on the
church during earthquakes. 

The Baroque architecture in the Philippines was designed to protect structures from
calamities especially earthquakes. The architecture is known as “Earthquake Baroque”
and Paoay Church is one of the most notable “earthquake baroque” structures in the
country.

Being one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines, Paoay Church has
become a top tourist destination in the region.
3. San Agustin Church in Manila in Intramuros, Manila

Like the other baroque churches of the Philippines, San Agustin Church in Manila
exhibits its remarkable features such as retablos (altars) of high Baroque style and
wall buttresses separating cripto collateral chapels. What makes this Philippines
church unique is its ceiling paintings in the tromp l’oeil style.

The San Agustin Church, built between 1587 and 1606, is considered the longest-
standing and oldest church in the Philippines. The church was the only structure left
intact in Intramuros during World War II. This is also the only UNESCO World
Heritage Site in Manila.
4. Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

One of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines that’s also recognized by UNESCO as
a World Heritage Site is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Ilocos Sur.

Built in 1765, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion exhibits a monumental

brick facade and reinforced walls to protect it against earthquakes. Its appearance
evokes a Mediterranean hill town, the only example of such in the Philippines.

The key features of this baroque church in the Philippines include an 85-step stairway
that leads to a carving of the Virgin Mary atop a tree, and a bell tower which was
added in 1810. The power and simplicity of its geometric forms, and its location, make
this an outstanding example of Peripheral Baroque architecture.
5. Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati

In the middle of Makati’s skyscrapers and commercial establishments is this old

church with Renaissance and Baroque architecture in Philippines. Its facade is simple
but striking boasting its arched entrance, columns, and a rose window.

This 400-year old church in the Philippines was constructed in 1629, though parts of
it were later rebuilt. Its roof collapsed from an earthquake in 1882, and parts of it were
burned in 1898 during a fight between Filipinos and Americans. And even after World
War II, its walls remained standing. Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church was
reconstructed and re-opened to the public again in 1983. Nuestra Señora de Gracia
Church in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati is definitely among the most beautiful heritage
churches in the Philippines.
6. Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church (Malate Church) in Malate, Manila

Malate Church, one of the heritage churches in the Philippines, has the usual Baroque
design of arches and columns. And from a bird’s eye view, the rooftop of Malate
Church forms the shape of a cross. 

Technically, Malate Church is more than 400 years old as it was built in 1588. But
after it was destroyed by an earthquake and typhoon, it was rebuilt in 1864. Malate
Church was also greatly damaged by fires during World War II, making it one of the
most historical churches in the Philippines.
7. Parish Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, Rizal

Built in the 18th century by the Franciscans, the Parish Church of San Ildefonso’s
interior is rich, with five beautiful examples of rococo-influenced retablos. On the walls
are the panels of the Via Crucis, celebrated because of the way in which they were
indigenized through perspective, proportion, and other details–one of the characters
even wears glasses.
8. Parish Church of Santiago Apostol in Betis, Pampanga

The Parish Church of Santiago Apostol in Betis, Pampanga boasts of the ceiling
paintings from the early 20th century and the most beautiful retablo in Central Luzon.
The wooden floor is well-maintained and adds to the ambience. The original wooden
furnishings are still in the sacristy and in the convento.