Baroque Churches of the Philippines
Encyclopedia
The Baroque Churches of the Philippines is the official designation to a collection of four Spanish-era churches in the Philippines, upon its inscription to the UNESCO
World Heritage List
in 1993.
The collection is composed of the following:
These churches have been at the forefront of Philippine history, not just in furthering Christianity
in the archipelago, but in serving as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule, when Church and State were regarded as one. The unique architecture of the churches didn't just reflect the adaptation of Spanish/Latin American architecture to the local environment (including the fusion with Chinese motifs), but also of the Church's political influence. These churches had been subject to attacks by local revolts and rebellions, hence, most had the appearance of a fortress, rather than just serving as mere religious structures. This is especially noteworthy in the case of Santa Maria Church, located on top of a hill, serving as a citadel during times of crisis. Miag-ao Church also withstood the occasional attacks of Muslims from the south.
Further, the location of the Philippines along the Pacific Ring of Fire
called for the emphasis on the buttresses and foundations of these churches, with some being seriously damaged, but eventually rebuilt after an earthquake. The most imposing of these buttresses could be found in Paoay Church, while the true testament of this architecture could be seen in San Agustin Church, Manila, the only structure in Intramuros
to survive World War II
. Hence, the unique architectural style became known as Earthquake Baroque
.
These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation:
Other declared churches include:
Important Cultural Properties
National Historical Landmarks
1 On August 15, 1993, these churches, along with the one in Baclayon, Bohol
were nominated for World Heritage Site status as part of the Jesuit Churches of the Philippines.
2 On May 16, 2006, the NCCA nominated a new set of churches as part of the extension of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines World Heritage Site. With the inclusion of two churches from the Jesuit Churches nomination, these two proposals will likely be combined.
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage List
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
in 1993.
The collection is composed of the following:
- San Agustin ChurchSan Agustin Church, ManilaSan Agustin Church is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. Completed by 1607, it is the oldest church still standing in the Philippines...
in ManilaManilaManila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,... - Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos SurSanta Maria, Ilocos SurSanta Maria is a 3rd class partially urban municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 28,002 people in 6,817 households.-Barangays:...
- San Agustin ChurchPaoay ChurchPaoay Church is the Roman Catholic parish church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building...
in Paoay, Ilocos NortePaoay, Ilocos NortePaoay is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 23,117 people in 4,567 households.-Barangays:Paoay is politically subdivided into 32 barangays.* Bacsil* Cabagoan... - Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo
These churches have been at the forefront of Philippine history, not just in furthering Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
in the archipelago, but in serving as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule, when Church and State were regarded as one. The unique architecture of the churches didn't just reflect the adaptation of Spanish/Latin American architecture to the local environment (including the fusion with Chinese motifs), but also of the Church's political influence. These churches had been subject to attacks by local revolts and rebellions, hence, most had the appearance of a fortress, rather than just serving as mere religious structures. This is especially noteworthy in the case of Santa Maria Church, located on top of a hill, serving as a citadel during times of crisis. Miag-ao Church also withstood the occasional attacks of Muslims from the south.
Further, the location of the Philippines along the Pacific Ring of Fire
Pacific Ring of Fire
The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area where large numbers of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur in the basin of the Pacific Ocean. In a horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements...
called for the emphasis on the buttresses and foundations of these churches, with some being seriously damaged, but eventually rebuilt after an earthquake. The most imposing of these buttresses could be found in Paoay Church, while the true testament of this architecture could be seen in San Agustin Church, Manila, the only structure in Intramuros
Intramuros
Intramuros is the oldest district in the present day city of Manila, the capital of the Republic of the Philippines. Nicknamed the "Walled City", Intramuros is the historic fortified city of Manila, the seat ot the government during the Spanish Colonial Period. Its name in Latin, intramuros,...
to survive World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Hence, the unique architectural style became known as Earthquake Baroque
Earthquake Baroque
Earthquake Baroque is a style of Baroque architecture found in places like the Philippines and Guatemala, which suffered destructive earthquakes during the 17th century and 18th century, where large public buildings, such as churches were rebuilt in a Baroque style...
.
Preservation
Aside from these four churches, another church which is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List is the Vigan Cathedral under the inscription Historic Town of Vigan. The Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has also designated the conservation and protection of more than 30 other Spanish-era churches to be of utmost importance. These were registered as National Cultural Treasures.These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation:
- Parish Church of San Agustin in Bacong, Negros OrientalBacong, Negros OrientalBacong is a fourth-class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 23,219 people in 4,832 households. Bacong is the hometown of the Visayan hero of the Philippine Revolution, Pantaleon Villegas, better known as León...
- Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Balayan, BatangasBalayan, BatangasBalayan is a 1st class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 79,407 people in 13,843 households....
- Parish Church of Santiago Apostol in Betis Guagua, PampangaGuagua, PampangaGuagua is a first-class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 104,284 people in 18,438 households....
- Parish Church of Patrocinio de MariaBoljoon, CebuBoljoon is a 5th class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 14,877 people.Boljoon has a total land area of 111.2 km²....
in Boljoon, CebuBoljoon, CebuBoljoon is a 5th class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 14,877 people.Boljoon has a total land area of 111.2 km².... - Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Calasiao, PangasinanCalasiao, PangasinanCalasiao is a 1st class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 85,419 people with 15,020 households. In the Pangasinan language, the town is called "Baley na Calasiao" which means "town of Calasiao" in English...
- Parish Church of San Vicente de Ferrer in Dupax del Sur, Nueva VizcayaDupax del Sur, Nueva VizcayaDupax Del Sur is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 16,371 people in 3,150 households.-Barangays:Dupax Del Sur is politically subdivided into 19 barangays....
- Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern SamarGuiuan, Eastern SamarGuiuan is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines. As of year 2004, it has a population of 43,647 people in 7,618 households....
- Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jasaan, Misamis OrientalJasaan, Misamis OrientalJasaan is a town in the Province of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It is approximately 28 kilometers eastward from the capital city of Cagayan de Oro...
- Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Jimenez, Misamis OccidentalJimenez, Misamis OccidentalJimenez is a 4th class municipality in the province of Misamis Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 23,212 people in 4,997 households.-Barangays:Jimenez is politically subdivided into 24 barangays.* Adorable...
- Parish Church of San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, SiquijorLazi, SiquijorLazi is a 5th class municipality in the province of Siquijor, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 18,314 people in 3,945 households.-Barangays:Lazi is politically subdivided into 18 barangays.* Campalanas* Cangclaran...
- Parish Church of San Pedro and San PabloChurches in BoholBohol, in the Philippines, has a number of very old churches, dating back to the early years of the Spanish colonization of the island.-Alburquerque:Sta. Monica Parish...
in Loboc, BoholLoboc, BoholLoboc is a 5th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. It is mere 24 km away from Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital of Bohol. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 16,299 people. It is the Music Capital of Bohol.... - Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Luna, La UnionLuna, La UnionLuna is a 3rd class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 35,372 people in 6,561 households.-Barangays:Luna is politically subdivided into 40 barangays.* Alcala* Ayaoan...
- Parish Church of San Carlos Borromeo in Mahatao, BatanesMahatao, BatanesMahatao is a 6th class municipality in the province of Batanes, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 1,707 people in 188 households.-Barangays:Mahatao is politically subdivided into 4 barangays.* Hanib* Kaumbakan...
- Parish Church of San Guillermo de Aquitania in Magsingal, Ilocos SurMagsingal, Ilocos SurMagsingal is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 27,615 people in 5,311 households.-Barangays:Magsingal is politically subdivided into 30 barangays.* Alangan...
- Parish Church of San Gregorio Magno in Majayjay, LagunaMajayjay, LagunaMajayjay is a 4th class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is located at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, and stands 1,000 feet above sea level. One hundred twenty kilometers south of Manila, it is bounded by the municipality of Magdalena on the north, by Lucban in Quezon province on...
- Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Maragondon, CaviteMaragondon, CaviteThe Municipality of Maragondon is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. Maragondon is 54 kilometers away from Manila going southeast. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 33,604 people...
- Parish Church of San Andres in Masinloc, ZambalesMasinloc, ZambalesMasinloc is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Zambales, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 40,603 people in 7,790 households.-Barangays:Masinloc is politically subdivided into 13 barangays.* Baloganon* Bamban...
- Parish Church of Santa Monica in Panay, CapizPanay, CapizPanay or Pan-ay is a 4th class municipality in the province of Capiz, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 40,599 people in 7,660 households...
- Cathedral of San Jose in Romblon, RomblonRomblon, RomblonRomblon is a 3rd class municipality which is capital of the Romblon province, Philippines. , it had a population of 37,544.-Barangays:Romblon is politically subdivided into 31 barangays.* Agbaluto* Agpanabat* Agbudia* Agnaga* Agnay* Agnipa...
- Parish Church of San Raymundo de Peñafort in Rizal, CagayanRizal, CagayanRizal is a 5th class municipality in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 16,791 people in 2,904 households.-Barangays:Rizal is politically subdivided into 29 barangays.* Anagguan* Anurturu...
- Parish Church of San Joaquin in San Joaquin, IloiloSan Joaquin, IloiloSan Joaquin is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 50,102 people.-Barangays:San Joaquin is politically subdivided into 85 barangays....
- Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco CityTabaco CityTabaco City is a 4th class city in the province of Albay in the Philippines. It is one of the three component cities of the province. The mainland part of the city is bordered by the town of Malinao to the north, the towns of Polangui and Oas to the west, Ligao City to the southwest, Malilipot town...
, AlbayAlbayAlbay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and the province borders Camarines Sur to the north and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is Lagonoy Gulf.... - Parish Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, RizalTanay, RizalTanay is a 1st class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is located 57 kilometers east of Manila, although a typical commute between Manila and Tanay will take between one to three hours depending upon traffic conditions...
- Basilica of St Michael the ArchangelBasilica of St Michael the ArchangelThe Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Tayabas, Quezon. It is the largest Catholic church in the Province of Quezon.It is renowned for having the shape of a key...
in Tayabas, QuezonTayabas, QuezonThe City of Tayabas is a city located in Quezon. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 87,252 people... - Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Tayum, AbraTayum, AbraTayum is a 5th class municipality in the province of Abra, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 13,360 people in 2,688 households.-Barangays:Tayum is politically subdivided into 11 barangays.-External links:***...
- Parish Church of San Matias in Tumauini, IsabelaTumauini, IsabelaTumauini is now a 1st class municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 55,041 people in 9,239 households....
- Parish of The Most Holy Rosary, Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de CaracolNuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de CaracolNuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol, also called "La Reina de Caracol" or "Mahal na Birhen ng Santo Rosaryo" is the patroness of Rosario "Salinas", Cavite, Philippines....
in Rosario "Salinas", CaviteRosario, CaviteThe Municipality of Rosario is a first class urban municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 94,228 people in an area of 38.16 square kilometers, making it the second most densely populated city/municipality in Cavite after General... - Maribojoc ChurchChurches in BoholBohol, in the Philippines, has a number of very old churches, dating back to the early years of the Spanish colonization of the island.-Alburquerque:Sta. Monica Parish...
(Bohol) - San Andres Apostol Church Bacarra, Ilocos NorteBacarra, Ilocos NorteBacarra is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 31,485 people in 6,289 households.-Barangays:Bacarra is politically subdivided into 43 barangays.-External links:*...
- Camarin de la Virgen, Parish Church of Nuestra Sra. De los Desamparados (Sta. Ana, Manila)
- Our Lady of the Gate Church (Daraga, Albay) - Eastern & Western Facades, Belfry and Baptistry
- Loon Church in Bohol (Bohol)
- Parish Church of Santa Monica in Minalin, PampangaMinalin, PampangaMinalin is a 1st class highly - urbanized municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 40,084 people....
Other declared churches include:
Important Cultural Properties
- Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice (UP Diliman, Quezon City)
National Historical Landmarks
- Abucay Church Historical Landmark (Abucay, Bataan)
- Barasoain Church Historical Landmark (Malolos, Bulacan)
- Church of Baler Historical Landmark (Baler, Aurora)
- Lubao Church Historical Landmark (Lubao, Pampanga)
- Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice (UP Diliman, Quezon City)
- San Sebastian Church Historical Landmark (Quiapo, Manila)
- Calamba Church Historical Landmark (Calamba City, Laguna)
- Church of Paete (Paete, Laguna)
- Taal Church Historical Landmark (Taal, Batangas)
- Cathedral of Boac Historical Landmark (Boac, Marinduque)
- Quipayo Church Historical Landmark Calabanga, Camarines SurCalabanga, Camarines SurCalabanga is a 1st class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is one of the biggest municipalities in terms of population and land area with an approximate 163.84 km². , which constitutes 3.1% of the province’s land area...
- Barotac Nuevo Church, Convent and Cemetery Historical Landmark Barotac Nuevo, IloiloBarotac Nuevo, IloiloBarotac Nuevo is a third-class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 45,804 people in 8,757 households....
- Dumangas Church Historical Landmark (Dumangas, Iloilo)
- Ermita Chapel Historical Landmark (Dumangas, Iloilo)
- Jaro Belfry Historical Landmark (Jaro, Iloilo City)
- Molo Church Historical Landmark (Molo, Iloilo City)
- Baclayon Church Historical Landmark (Baclayon, Bohol)
- Church and Convent of Santo Niño (Cebu City)
- Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion Historical Landmark (Argao, Cebu)
- Church of San Guillermo de Aquitania Historical Landmark (Dalaguete, Cebu)
- Church of the Most Holy TrinityChurches in BoholBohol, in the Philippines, has a number of very old churches, dating back to the early years of the Spanish colonization of the island.-Alburquerque:Sta. Monica Parish...
Historical Landmark (Loay, Bohol) - Maasin Church (Maasin City, Southern Leyte)
1 On August 15, 1993, these churches, along with the one in Baclayon, Bohol
Baclayon, Bohol
Baclayon is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 18,015 people....
were nominated for World Heritage Site status as part of the Jesuit Churches of the Philippines.
2 On May 16, 2006, the NCCA nominated a new set of churches as part of the extension of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines World Heritage Site. With the inclusion of two churches from the Jesuit Churches nomination, these two proposals will likely be combined.