Top 10 Famous Old Churches in the Philippines

The Catholic faith that was introduced during the time of Spanish colonization has had a considerable influence on the Philippines. This is portrayed in the basilicas and cathedrals sprinkled across the region, mirroring the architecture of the time, such as Romanesque and Baroque architectures. Today, one can see the wide range of breathtaking churches dating back to the 1600's across the archipelago. Such historical churches have drawn in tourists and are a considered national pride by many. Here is a list of 10 most popular historical churches in the Philippines. 1. Paoay Church Paoay Church is under the Unesco World Heritage list. The church was built in 1704 and was finished in 1894 by the Augustinian friars headed by Fr. Antonio Estavillo. It is widely referred to as the earthquake Baroque church in the country. Big coral stones were employed in constructing the lower level, while bricks were utilized in building the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters in thickness and are lined with 24 huge, carved buttresses. The church is an interesting mix of Baroque, Gothic and Oriental architectural styles. 2. Barasoain Church Around 42 kilometers from Manila is the Barasoain Church, also referred to as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish. It is a Roman Catholic church constructed in 1630 in the city of Malolos in Bulacan. It has also been coined as the Cradle if Democracy in the East, where the most revered religious establishments are located and the First Philippine Republic was founded. The Church is symbolic for

its historical relevance to the Filipinos. Established by Augustinian Missionaries in 1859, the church is also praised for its architectural design and internal embellishments. The original structure was burned at the time of the Philippine Revolution, but fortunately renovations were being done after. 3. San Agustin Church of Manila San Agustin Church is a Roman Catholic church under the authority of the Order of St. Augustine. It is situated within the old walled city of Intramuros, Manila. Finished by 1607, it is considered the oldest church in the country to date, still intact. No other historical establishments in the Philippines has been known to exist or survive before San Agustin Church. This is a voyage Philippines stop-over you can't miss. In 1976 the Philippine government officially recognized San Agustin Church as a National Historical Landmark. In 1993 the church was one of only 4 churches in the Philippines built during the time of the Spanish colonization that is assigned by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, within the category of Baroque Churches of the Philippines. 4. San Sebastian Church of Manila San Sebastian Church, a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Manila, is originally named as the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian. It is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as well as the seat of the Parish of San Sebastian. San Sebastian Church was finished in 1891 and is widely known for its architectural design. San Sebastian Church is currently maintained by The Order of the Augustinian Recollects, who also manage a college located by the church. it is found at Plaza del Carmen, at the eastern side of the Claro M. Recto Street in Quiapo, Manila. UNESCO has identified the San Sebastian Church as the only all-steel basilica in Asia. It is portrayed as the reintroduction of Gothic architecture in the country. The church has also been said to be the first prefabricated construction in the world. In addition, it is believed to be the only prefabricated steel church to exist. In 1973 the Philippine government has formally called it a National Historical Landmark. In 2006, the church was under the Tentative List as a probable candidate for a World Heritage Site. 5. Dauis Church of Bohol Another church worth seeing is situated on the Island of Panglao, Bohol Philippines. It is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis, otherwise known as the Dauis Church of Bohol. The church was established by the Jesuits Joseph Gregorio and Fr. Diego de Ayala. It was constructed with a combination of different kinds of designs from Romanesque to Byzantine influences. Upon walking into the church, one will be able to witness some remarkable frescoes created by Ray Francia in 1916. The church was renovated in 1970. Its patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to have miraculous abilities. An age-long legend describes that at one time, when the town was overrun by pirates, the Dauis locals sought refuge inside the church and secured it from the outside turmoil. But eventually, basic needs and water were depleting. What followed was said to be a miracle, when a well suddenly showed up at the foot of the alter. Today, this well does exist, and is in fact used daily for water by those residing near the church. And despite the fact that the well is just some meters away from the ocean, the water is extremely fresh. The water is believed to possess healing abilities as well. So if you do decide to stop by, have a bottle ready to fetch some divine water and bring it with you as a souvenir. 6. Quiapo Church Quiapo is a place in Manila, Philippines, and is home to the famous Black Nazarene where literally hordes of devotees join an extensive march on the streets to touch the statue. The statue is believed to have miraculous effects on whoever touches it. Many devotees often faint and fall down during the

traditional and religious practice, and a number of deaths have also been reported. Quiapo Day, or more traditionally called the Feast Day of the Black Nazarene is commemorated once a year on January 9. Plaza Miranda is a public square across St. John the Baptist Church, or simply Quiapo Church. Its name derives from secretary of treasury of the Philippines Jose Sandino y Miranda, who was in position for a decade starting in 1853. Plaza Miranda is located at the center of Quiapo, a district of Manila that is also widely known as the old downtown and famous for its bargain merchandize from local handicrafts to bicycles to electronics. Plaza Miranda is also a well known place of political rallies. On the 21st of Augst, 1971, as the Liberal Party positioned their Miting de Avance in the plaza, a bomb explosion occurred, resulting in nearly 100 civilians injured and the deaths of 9. 7. San Jose Church in Ivana Basco Batanes Ivana, or San Jose Church, is located by the Ivana Seaport 14 kilometers from Basco, and was established in 1814. Because of its elevated structure, it is able to provide a commanding view of the ocean and encompassing countryside However, its foundation is said to have existed since 1795. Of all the historical churches in Batanes, it is the single structure in the area that was not constructed in the espadaa way. It features a crenellated campanile that resembles a fortress or belltower that is reminding of a fortified structure. 8. Baguio Cathedral Baguio Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in its respective region and is the heart of religious events like Holy Week, where thousands of devote Catholics from the main city as well as the countryside visit the place. Baguio Cathedral was traditionally referred to as Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral since 1936, and is situated at Cathedral Loop by Session Road in Baguio City, Philippines. Its historical purpose was being a place of refuge at a time when the Japanese invaded the country during World War II. The building of the cathedral by phases was started on a hill, which was initially called Kampo by the native Ibalois. It was then referred to as Mount Mary by a Belgian Catholic Mission lead by Fr. Carlu, CICM, who was the parish priest at the time. Baguio Cathedral is easily recognizable for its rose-hued exterior. Due to this attractive feature, it has become one of the main subjects in pictures taken around Baguio City. 9. Basilica de Sto. Nio in Cebu The Basilica of Santo Nio, also referred to as Basilica del Santo Nio. Basilica Minore del Santo Nio, and previously as the San Agustin Church before its transition to the name Basilica Minore, is found at the center of Cebu City Philippines. Its existence dates back to the 16th century. It is reported to have been constructed on the precise location where the image of the Santo Nio, a crafted figure portraying Jesus as a black Holy Child, was discovered by Spanish conquistadors in 1565. The figure was found in a burned wooden case, which was left behind during the Magellan excursion back in 1521. 10. Our Lady of Manaog Shrine in Pangasinan Manaoag, Pangasinan is one of the country's pilgrimage hubs due to the existence of the Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine. Manaoag is where the image of the Nuestra Seora del Rosario, such as the Our Lady of the Rosary, is found. It is believed to have miraculous effects. While others of different religious backgrounds may jeer at such idolatrous commitment, this has not stopped the millions of Catholic devotees from going to the shrine and showing adoration of this depiction of the Virgin Mary. If you want to visit here in the Philippines then contact us at http://www.asianapearlvision.net