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 2003. They are also one of the most treasured in the Country.
The collection is composed of the following:
1. San Agustin Church in Manila
2. Santa Maria Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
3. San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
4. Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo
The Miag-ao Church, or Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, was built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries and was declared as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. On the front facade, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences.
The central feature of the bas-relief facade is a large coconut tree which reaches almost to the apex. While an integral part of the Philippine landscape, the coconut tree is also the subject of lore. According to an old Philippine legend, the coconut tree was the only bequest from a loving mother to her two children, a tree which sustained them for life. On the church's facade the coconut tree appears as the "tree of life" to which St. Christopher carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder is clinging to. The lesser facades feature the daily life of Miagaowanons during the time. Also depicted are other native flora and fauna, as well as native dress.
The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It therefore has thick walls and, reportedly, secret passages. Indeed stretching along the Iloilo coast are defensive towers, but none that equal the size of the Miag-ao. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.
Property No #667
It's in the list of UNESCO WHS as a part of Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
Date of Inscription on the List of UNESCO WHS: 1993
Thank you, Joyce !
Sent on: October 27, 2013
Received on: November 11, 2013
3. San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
4. Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo
The Miag-ao Church, or Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, was built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries and was declared as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. On the front facade, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences.
The central feature of the bas-relief facade is a large coconut tree which reaches almost to the apex. While an integral part of the Philippine landscape, the coconut tree is also the subject of lore. According to an old Philippine legend, the coconut tree was the only bequest from a loving mother to her two children, a tree which sustained them for life. On the church's facade the coconut tree appears as the "tree of life" to which St. Christopher carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder is clinging to. The lesser facades feature the daily life of Miagaowanons during the time. Also depicted are other native flora and fauna, as well as native dress.
The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It therefore has thick walls and, reportedly, secret passages. Indeed stretching along the Iloilo coast are defensive towers, but none that equal the size of the Miag-ao. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.
Property No #667
It's in the list of UNESCO WHS as a part of Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
Date of Inscription on the List of UNESCO WHS: 1993
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| Date of Issue: November 4, 2011 - Marine Biodiversity |
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| Date of Issue: October 17, 2011 - Marine Biodiversity |
Thank you, Joyce !
Sent on: October 27, 2013
Received on: November 11, 2013
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