The San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte – Philippines is one four remarkable Baroque churches in the country and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also known as Paoay Church, San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte – Philippines, has an architectural design that depicts foreign influences particularly from the Spanish and Chinese cultures mixed-in with Filipino architectural style.
Location
San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte – Philippines is located in the town of Paoay within the province of Ilocos Norte. It is within the municipality of Sangladan in Paoay.
Getting There
Getting around Ilocos Norte, including its towns such as Paoay is mostly done by its most popular mode of transport: tricycle. To reach the San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte – Philippines, you can find tricycles scattered all over town so getting one won’t be problem.
Tricycle fares are roughly about ten pesos per head although you may have to wait for other passengers to join you before the tricycle actually leaves. For a more private tour, you can hire your own tricycle plus the driver of course.
This would cost you anywhere from one hundred and fifty pesos up to two hundred pesos; depending on how good you are at haggling.
What to See There
This bell tower is unique because it is perhaps the only bell tower in the country that stands apart from the church. It is completely made from coral stone. The huge buttresses are also a sight to behold.
Brief History
Former president Ferdinand Marcos declared the church as a “national treasure” upon which it was later enlisted by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte – Philippines was established by Augustinian friars back in the year 1593 but it was not until the year 1704 when the church’s cornerstone was laid.
The San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte – Philippines was finally inaugurated in the year 1896 during the month of February.
It is referred to as Earthquake Baroque because it was built to withstand earthquakes that were common in the northern region during the time that it was being constructed.
Incidentally, its bell tower was utilized by the Katipuneros during the time of the revolution.
Cost
There is no entry fee to visit the church. The cost you will have to cover is your transportation fare which could be around ten pesos per person or around one hundred and fifty pesos up to two hundred pesos for a one-hour private hire of the tricycle plus driver.
Other Information
When you go up the bell tower, you will have a magnificent view of the town as it stretches out and finally fuses with the China Sea.
