7 REASONS WHY PAOAY CHURCH IS A MUST-SEE DESTINATION

Paoay Church

7 REASONS WHY PAOAY CHURCH IS A MUST-SEE DESTINATION IN ILOCOS REGION

One of the most impressive church structures and probably one of the most popular Churches in the Philippines is the  Saint Augustine Church widely known as the Paoay Church. The church is situated in the  Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. In my first visit to the Ilocos Region, I really made sure to make this church as part of my itinerary. For me, the church is one of the must-see points of interest when visiting Ilocos Norte.

I have listed 7 Reasons Why Paoay Church is a must-see destination in Ilocos Region:

1. Paoay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.

There’s still a debate as to what is the oldest church in the Philippines. While I have already visited and written about the oldest churches in the Philippines, several contradictory articles are claiming certain church being the oldest. Whatever is the oldest church in the country might be, the fact remains that Paoay is one of those oldest treasures we have in the country.

The earliest historical record of Paoay Church dates back to 1593, it became an Augustinian independent parish in 1686. The building construction of the present church started in 1694; was completed in 1710 and rededicated in 1896. In 1865 and 1885, some portions of the church were damaged by an earthquake but were later restored under the initiative of the former First Lady, Imelda Marcos.

2. Paoay Church has a unique Earthquake Baroque Architecture

What makes Paoay Church distinct is its architecture highlighted by the huge buttresses. They call this  Earthquake Baroque Architecture which is an interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country through the use of enormous buttresses. Checking the entire church building, we found  24 huge buttresses of about 1.67 meters (5.5 ft) thick at the sides and back of the church building. Extending from the exterior walls, it was constructed as a solution to the possible ruining of the building due to earthquakes. Its stair-like buttresses also known as step buttresses at the sides of the church was probably created for an easy approach to the roof.

3. Paoay Church has very thick walls made of corals and bricks

The thick walls are common amongst old churches. And just imagine how difficult it was during our forefathers’ time putting up these large bricks manually and without the aid of any mechanical equipment. The very thick walls of Paoay Church are composed of large coral stones on the lower part and bricks at the upper levels. It’s interesting to note that the mortar used in the church includes sand and lime with sugarcane juice boiled with mango leaves, leather, and rice straw. Its walls suggest Javanese architectural styles.

4. Its façade is picture-perfect

Perfect for a photoshoot, the dramatic stone facade of Paoay Church appear as monumental pediment rising from the ground and is built leaning towards the front.

Square pilasters divide the facade vertically and horizontally respectively. Its bottom part is plain. Gothic features are also present through the use of ornaments while the triangular pediment shows Chinese elements and Oriental strokes. Crenellations, niches, rosettes and the Augustinian coat of arms can also be seen. The façade is made of a mixed medium:  brick on the lower level and coral stones on the upper level.

Adjacent to the facade is an interesting three-story coral bell tower constructed separately and apart from the main church in 1793. The bell tower also played an important role in the Philippine history as it served as the observational post for Filipino revolutionaries against the Spaniards in 1898 and by Filipino guerrillas against Japanese soldiers during World War II. Unfortunately, the bell tower is already closed for visitors when I visit the place.

5. Paoay Church is not only a National Cultural Treasure but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Paoay Church was named as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260. The church was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with San Agustin Church in Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church in Miagao, Iloilo on December 11, 1993.

Popular Stories:

• Old Churches in the Philippines Part 1
• Old Churches in the Philippines Part 2
• Baclayon Church, Bohol
• Boljoon Church, Cebu
• MOST BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINE BEACHES | MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS(Opens in a new browser tab)
• 10 ILOCOS NORTE TOURIST SPOTS | MUST SEE PLACES(Opens in a new browser tab)
• 16 INDONESIA TOURIST SPOTS | THINGS TO DO