PAOAY CHURCH

• As one of the oldest church in the Philippines, it was

constructed back in 1710. In 1973, it was declared
as a National Culture Treasure by the Philippine
government. The church was also included in the list
of UNESCO World Heritage Site’s collective group of
Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
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• Its Javanese architecture is reminiscent of Borobudur of
Java; it can be seen from the church walls and façade.
Gothic features can also be seen as well as Chinese
elements.

• The walls are made from coral stones on the upper and
bricks at the lower level. The façade, made from stone,
appear as massive pediment. Stringed cornicles and
square pilasters divide the façade. The use of triangular
pediment shows Chinese features while the use of finials
presents the Gothic elements.

• The bell tower was constructed separately from the

church building on the right side; it resembles a pagoda.
It is also said that it has been used as an observation
post of the “Katipuneros” during the revolution.
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• The church represents the beliefs of Filipinos and

their religious side. Having a massive structure, the
people who are going there can see how our
strong our beliefs and faith.

• From the different elements of the church, it also

shows how other culture influences the Filipino
beliefs. It shows that our beliefs are influenced by
those who invaded us.
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• The bell tower from the church also has a status

symbol for the local. According to historians, it
would ring more loudly when an eminent clan
would wed than that of the poor.

• While different events like earthquakes, storms and

the Second World War affected the structure, it
stands as a witness to history and the spirit of
Filipinos who worshipped there.