1.

History

Paoay church also known as San Agustin Church is famous for its Architecture Facade highlighted by
enormous buttresses. And it is known as the oldest stone church in the country.

It was founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1593, and was a labor of love over time and in the face of
earthquakes and other disasters.

The Paoay Church history began in the 17th century. The construction of the church was spread
over a century beginning from 1604: the cornerstone of the church was laid in 1704; the convent in
1707; and the belltower in 1793. Even while still unfinished, Paoay Church was already used by
parishioners. In 1896, it was finally inaugurated. But in 1706 and 1927, it was damaged by earthquakes.

Its scars made it more beautiful and worth-visiting. Because of San Agustin Church Paoay’s
historical and artistic significance, it was designated as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine
government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site among the country’s baroque churches in 1993.

2. Constructions

Construction of the Paoay Church was started by the Augustinian friars in 1694. It was completed in
1894 led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo and was re-dedicated in 1894.

A three-storey coral stone bell tower stands to the right of the church which served as an observation
post in 1896 for the Katipuneros during the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards, and again by the
Filipino guerillas during the Japanese occupation in World War II.

The Church is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs. Its facade reveals Gothic
affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence
(reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

3. Three Main qualities of architectural and structural materials

Structure - Paoay Church has been standing for more than 3 centuries. It is supported by 24 buttresses
to make it stronger. That is why it ca withstand natural phenomenon such as rain, wind, and flood.

Texture - Paoay Church was built using baked bricks, coral rocks, tree sap ( salbot) and lumber, That is
why its texture is rough in both exterior and interior walls of the church

Aspects - Paoay Church's natural color is white because it used coral rocks in constructing it before. Due
to the phenomenon such as rain, it affected its wall/covering and turn its exterior walls into dark color
the past centuries.

4. Type of Architecture

Gothic Architecture
5.Concept

-Walls are made from large coral stones.

-Square pilasters and stringed cornices divide the facade vertically and horizontally respectively. Its
bottom part is plain

-Gothic features are also present through the use of finials while the triangular pediment shows Chinese
elements and Oriental strokes.

-Crenellations, niches, rosettes and the Augustinian coat of arms can also be seen.

- the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur
Temple)

-Crenellations, niches, rosettes and the Augustinian coat of arms can also be seen.

-Adjacent to the facade is a three-storey coral bell tower constructed separately from the church
building on the right side resembling a pagoda.