Hispanic Churches
Molo Church
Sometimes referred to as St. Ann's Cathedral, Molo Church is a "European Gem in the Eastern Islands". It is a combination of Extravagance and Antiquity.
Architectural Features:
Both the exterior and interior are Gothic-Renaissance in style. The exterior is decorated with geometric arch windows and Doric Columns. The Twin Belfry-Spires are the most interesting feature of the church The shape of the church visibly forms a cross, in other words the structure is like a Basilica.
The interior is rich in Gothic elements. There are five gothic altars which are made of wood while beautiful paintings dominate the walls. Female Saints Stand on each pillar and a pair of interestingly decorated pulpits contrast the entire structure.
Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral
The Cathedral of Jaro, Iloilo's higher seat of Catholicism is the most accessible church in Iloilo City.
Architectural Features:
The Pseudo- Gothic style of Jaro is actually a combination of Renaissance and Baroque Architectures. The Windows and pilasters are renaissance in style while the spire-like pseudo-belfries are the gothic elements of the church. The Church is made out of white hewn stones and concrete.
The interior of Jaro Cathedral is the opposite of Molo church's interior. Here Romanesque and Baroque Architecture flourished. There are three baroque altars and Male Saints stand on each pillar.
San Jose Parish Church
This has been Iloilo City's trademark for many years. The Church entire beauty speaks of simplicity and never-ending beauty. It is very Carribean in Style, rather than Spanish.
Architectural Feature:
The whole structure is obviously Neo-classical in the simplest form. the facade is a one-story affair flanked with Tuscan columns and rose windows. there is a statued niche on the center of the triangular pediment
The Interior is so decorated that it does not contrast with interior. Three altar glow from a distance and Doric columns array along the aisles.
One of the valuable treasures of San Jose Parish is the statue of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, which was found on September 29,1614 during the defense of La Punta de Yloilo against the invading Dutch pirates.
Santa Barbara Church
The Church of Santa Barbara is Iloilo's seat historical events. It has been a marker of the Ilonggos' strive for freedom, where the first revolution of the Ilonggos against Spain was held.
Architectural Features:
The whole structure imposes simplicity and beauty. The facade is neoclassic, proven by twinned neoclassic pilasters and tuscanic finials.
The most interesting part of the church is the Convent which is made of yellow stand stone and bricks. The inner patio gives a view of ancient living and Hispanic life. circular pillars of bricks support the second level of the convent.
The interior of the Church is neoclassic in style. There are three altars on wings and the nave while a simple yet very decorated pulpit stands on the left side of the wall.
Cabatuan Church
"The Ruby of the Philippines", considered to be Panays' largest brick church. It is a church that reflects different emotions; victorious, aged and strong.
Architectural Features:
The Psuedo-Baroque exterior of the church is actually Neoclassic style in the severest form. Twinned Tuscan Pilasters dominate the facade and the first and second levels of the church is separated by a thick Byzantine cornice. The Bell-domed belfries give the Neoclassic church a Baroque roundness and massiveness.
The interior of the Church is like a Basilica, it has three baroque-neoclassic altars made out of lime stone. A unique feature of the church is a tabular marble altar at the intersection of the central nave and the two wings. There is a pair of wooden pulpits which are heavily carved.
Leon Church
The largest temple of Worship in Panay.
Architectural Features:
The huge proportions of the church itself make this design somewhat different and unique. There are elements of the Renaissance and Roman styles. The circular arched entrance is flanked by pilasters, which divides the the rectangural area into five sections.
San Jaoquin Church
The only church in the Philippines sporting a Bas-relief about Tetuan's battle in Morocco.
Architectural Features:
The bas-relief used as the facade proves that the structure is extremely baroque. The windows frames are heavily decorated with floral and shell carvings. Cherubs are used as additional ornaments to the facade. The faces of the Saints at the church looks so Oriental rather than European. The interior of the Church is of New-Age architecture.
Miagao Church
Considered to be the Philippines' most interesting Spanish Church. A World Heritage site that has been marked as a 'Must see' tourist attraction.
Architectural Features:
Baroque Architecture is very dominant in the facade of the Church. It is described as an explosion of Botanical motif. The structural organization is simple, the complex quality of the facade springs, from the overcrowding elaborately craved architectural features, sometimes to the point of exaggeration. The pilasters flanking the simple arched entrance, as well as those of the lateral sections contribute to the undulating movement of the facade initiated by overlapping palm leaves.
The vertical movement is almost lost to the powerful curvilinear undulation. The balanced is reinforced by the flanking massive belfries reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Guimbal Church
A small but well crafted Church made of yellowish sand stones.
Architectural feature:
The facade is a two-story affair flanked by twinned round pilasters decorated with floral carvings. Finials and Spires give the simple structure a dramatic evolution to the facade.
Tigbauan Church
A piece of Caribbean art in the Philippines.
Architectural Feature:
The pilasters, reminiscent of the Mexican architecture tapering down flank the main arched entrance of the church. The pilaster and the spandrels are decorated with a floral motifs. A bent- winged cherub marks the keystone of the main arch.
There is an elaborately carved niche containing the Patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino. The entire structure is a splendid mix of mexican baroque architecture. The use of Cherubs and flowers contributes life and youth to the structure
Lambunao Church
A majestic neoclassic church, considered to be a combination of other neighboring churches.
Architectural Features:
The facade is a one story affair topped by a curvilinear pediment. This is so even if the openings indicate a two level structure. The main entrance is a simple arched doorway flanked by smaller statued niches. The upper section of the facade is decorated by three identical occoli or small rose windows.
Dingle Church
A neo- baroque church which speaks of beauty in the unimaginative way.
Architectural Feature:
The absence of one of the belfries makes this church slightly different from those of Calinog, Lambunao and Duenas. the simply built architrave supports the second level and the pediment of moderately undulating curves is enlivened by a semi-circular statued niche.
Iloilo's Grand Cemeteries
Janiuay Cemetery
One of the most artistic cemeteries in the Philippines.
Architectural Feature:
the Neo-gothic cemetery sprawls on a hill and is approached by three flight of stairs. The arch-entrances are artistically decorated with round pilaster and rosettes. There is a Neo-gothic chapel with windows having plate tracery designs.
San Joaquin Cemetery
San Joaquin has the most beautiful, chapel in Western Visayas.
Architectural Feature:
The overall structure is gothic, but it looks more baroque since there are extravagant use gothic elements. There are pointed spire-finials on each side of the capilla (chapel). The window frame is decorated with flowers and seashell carvings. There is a pair of round windows which are finely decorated. The chapel is approached by a 20 steps stairs.
Cabatuan Cemetry
The Only extant Hispanic cemetery in the Philippines which is a perfect square.
Architectural Feature:
The gate-walls are made of lime stones with three Romanesque stone entrance arches. The chapel at the center of the cemetery contains artistic gothic carvings and gothic rosettes. Baroque Finials stand on every side of the chapel. There are three Byzantine doors and Roman columns that give the Romanesque structure a baroque appearance..
Miagao Cemetery
The cemetery of Miagao is made of red bricks and yellow sand stone.
Architectural Feature:
It has three Romanesque entrances and a brick dome. The structure is octagonal and is obviously in early renaissance form.
Sta. Barbara Cemetery.
The entrance arch of Sta. Barbara cemetery is one of the largest in the Western Western Visayas.
Architectural Feature:
It is a massive structure with a Neo-Gothic style. It has a simple triangular pediment and neoclassic columns.
Photos by: IAMME, Chymera00, Pacific leopard, Kianshi
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