San Agustin Church

The Mother of All Churches, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila is the oldest church in
the Philippines. The present structure was built in 1587 and finished in 1607. It has withstood
typhoons, earthquakes and a world war. When the dust settled in 1945, it was the only structure
standing in the whole of Intramuros.

The church is notable for its layout and which remains as the best preserved monastery-church
complex in the country. It has an interesting and rich interior, stunning carvings in the choirloft
and an elaborate 17th century pulpit.

Miag-ao Church
The fortress church of Miag-ao in Iloilo is the second structure in the municipality and built
between 1787-1797. The first one is a small stone church along the coast but was destroyed by
muslim slave raiders in 1741 and 1754. The present structure was built atop a promontory in a
fortress like manner which also served as a lookout for the raiders.

The facade of the church is one of its best design elements wherin the pediment is richly carved
with Philippine floral motif with a bas relief of the legendary St. Christopher a little bit off center
carrying the Christ Child.

Sta. Maria Church

Sitting atop a hill overlooking the town of Sta. Maria, the church complex layout is unqiue in the
country, but more dictated because of the contour of the hill. Unlike other churches, the simple
but beautiful facade of this brick church faces directly with the parochial house or, as locally
called, kumbento.

Both sides of the church are lined with simple yet sturdy buttresses and an octagonal belfry is
built a few meters from the side. A grand and wide staircase leads from the base of the hill to the
church while another staircase at the other side leads to the abandoned cemetery with a chapel in
ruins.

Paoay Church
The church, built between 1694 – 1710 is one of those churches that have really unique elements.
Many compare it with asian temples because of its form. The structure is notable for its really
massive buttresses with decorative volutes by the sides. The belfry, located a few meters from
the church was used as a lookout by revolutionaries.
1. Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miag-ao, Iloilo

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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, the church stands on the highest elevation of the town and was completed
in 1797. The church withstood typhoons and earthquakes, and was burned twice: 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 the 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 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 it unique is its ceiling paintings in the tromp l’oeil style.

The San Agustin Church, built between 1587 and 1606, is considered the oldest and longest standing
church in the country. 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

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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.
Its key features 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

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In the middle of Makati’s skyscrapers and commercial establishments is this old church with
Renaissance and Baroque architecture in the Philippines. Its facade is simple but striking boasting its
arched entrance, columns, and a rose window.
This 400-year old church 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. 

Bonus! More Heritage Churches in the Philippines!

7. Parish Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, Rizal

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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

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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.

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