10 BEAUTIFUL OLD CHURCHES IN ILOILO PROVINCE

Old Churches in Iloilo

OLD CHURCHES IN ILOILO PROVINCE

The Province of Iloilo is blessed with so many old churches that are still fully functional and remained beautiful up to these days. Listed below are old churches we have visited so far in the entire province of Iloilo. Hopefully, this list will grow in the coming days as we discover and visit more churches in the area.

The blogger in front of Miag-ao Church ( Old Churches in Iloilo )

Must-visit Old Churches in Iloilo

Miag-ao Church

The building was constructed in 1787 and is also known as the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova. It also became part of the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The architectural design of the building following the Baroque and Romanesque style makes it positively famous. The structure is in between two bell towers, which way back in a time served as a watch over the area in defending the town against the Moros. Also, the entire structure was built that way so that it could have a strong foundation that can withstand the test of time as well as other natural calamities. It is made up of limestones and coral tones which makes the entire structure look natural with the hues of yellow.

The Jaro Cathedral ( Old Churches in Iloilo )

The Jaro Bell Tower

2. Jaro Cathedral

This building built way back in 1864 is one of the oldest churches in the entire country. This is also locally known as the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Church. It was then destroyed by an earthquake, but it was eventually restored. It is the only cathedral situated in this district of Iloilo. It has a bell tower which is unusually located on the opposite side of the street rather than its side. With that unique architectural design, it is no wonder that this structure is one of the most visited churches in Iloilo. There is a stair in front of the church which leads directly to the Our Lady of Candles which happens to be the only female image in the whole building. More than that, being at the top of the stair enables you to see in full view the bell tower at the opposite side of the street. Another interesting information? Senator Grace Poe was left here abandoned when she was still a baby. As of now, it one of the Historical Landmarks in the country as hailed by the National Historical Institute.

The San Jose Church taken from the top ( Old Churches in Iloilo )

3. San Jose Church (Iloilo City)

The San Jose Church is located at Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City. The original building was constructed by the Jesuits in 1607 while the present-day building was erected at around 1873. Shaped like a Latin cross having a dome at the center. A renovation on the altar happened in the 1980s with marble stones from Romblon used to add grandeur to the design.
In 1968 a replica of Sto. Nino de Cebu arrived in the church as a gift. The arrival of Sto. Nino de Cebu replica started the annual celebration of the Dinagyang Festival.

( Old Churches in Iloilo )

4. Molo Church

This structure was built in 1831 using white corals rocks is also known as the Church of St. Anne. Way back in 1992, it was hailed as a National Landmark as well by the National Historical Institute. It is believed that the Filipino martyr, Pedro Calungsod, came from this town. Additionally, this church was labeled as the “feminist” church since all the images that can be found in the church are female images. Just in front of the structure are the varied Greek gods and goddesses’ figures, though the origin and reason for building these images here remain a mystery.

5. Sta. Barbara Church and Convent

What makes this building unique than the other is that it is the only existing church attached to a convent. With its old age and natural beauty, it is no wonder that it also became part of the National Landmarks. Recently, it has undergone significant restoration, including its façade and the interior. What is right about it is that people are making an effort to maintain this structure.

( Old Churches in Iloilo )

6. St. John of Sahagun (Tigbauan)

Parish of St. John of Sahagun has Latin American churrigueresque architecture. The building is made up of yellow limestones. The building was brought down by an earthquake in 1948 leaving only the bell tower and the facade intact. After reconstructing the interior of the church, it was then decorated with beautiful mosaic art in 1994 which tells various biblical events such as the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden, Jesus Christ and his disciples, crucifixion, the resurrection of Christ.

7. San Joaquin Parish Church

Despite the long travel going to this church due to its location on the Southern part of Iloilo, witnessing its beauty made up of raw materials will surely pay off all the efforts. The natural beauty if the building makes it even more beautiful in its ways. This may be one of the reasons why it is also hailed as one of the National Cultural Treasures. It has undergone some restoration a few months back and now; it is being criticized because it is already deteriorating. That is why now, any renovation or restoration plans should be approved first by the National Museum of the Philippines.

( Old Churches in Iloilo )

8. St. William The Hermit Parish Church (Passi)

St. William The Hermit Parish Church was planned as a fortress church as seen in its massive buttresses. The building was erected to replace the buildings that were destroyed by an earthquake in 1612 and other building that had been ruined by fires.

The current building is the result of the restoration made in 1856 by Friar Pedro Ceberio.

9. Tigbuan Church

Built-in 1575, and it is located at the Pueblo de Tigbauan. It is made up of limestones and color red corals. During an earthquake in 1787, it was able to remain strong. In 1948 with the occurrence of another earthquake, only the bell tower, convent pillars, and façade were able to survive. What is additionally interesting about this structure is the varied mosaics inside. They have the mosaic of Station of the Cross as well as the scene of Adam and Eve being banished from the Paradise.

( Old Churches in Iloilo )

10. Guimbal Church

This building is approximately 400-year old, and it is made up of color yellow adobe and coral stones. It is located in the town of Guimbal, and it also features a 4-story bell tower. This tower, just like the other tower of other churches in the province, served as a watch over of the during the Spanish colonization. Recently, it has undergone reconstruction because a part of it was destroyed during World War II and an earthquake way back in 1948.

Are you now interested to explore these religious structures? Then I highly suggest that you give it a go because this would surely be an adventure of a lifetime! Take care and good luck!