ILOILO

The Provice of Iloilo was once one of Spain's leading Capitals in the Philippine Islands. Its highly colonized towns testify its rich history through their laudable historical destinations. The numerous collection of Churches, Mansions and Cemeteries departs Iloilo away from its asian terrain. Its magnificent splendor overlaps the ordinary. Churches with its distinct European and Latin American appeal will transport any tourist in an era centuries away from the present. Its stonewalled cemeteries may seduce any traveler to stop by and feel the essence of memories forgotten by time. 

Cabatuan Church: The Model of Temples

Finished in 1834, the Neoclassic Church of Cabatuan is grand an example of a European basilica. This is the only extant Spanish church in Iloilo which has three facades. The Belfries are plain examples of Byzantine Architecture with  supporting Neoclassic essences. The Church is a beautiful of example of an Italian Medieval structure as proven by those small rectangular windows which contrasts the church's massive form.

Ruins of Janiuay Church

The Church of Janiuay, is fine example of Spanish Neoclassicism. Ruined in the Second World War. Almost finished in 1871, the first level and the belfry of Janiuay church was made of red bricks while the second level was built of wood and light materials. It was said that the bricks from the ruined part of the church was used to construct the Japanese Landing Feild now the New Iloilo Airprt in the neighboring town of Cabatuan.

Lambunao Church

The appearance of Lambunao Church can be associated with colonial churches in Latin America. The Beautiful alternate movement brought by round columns and the curvilinear pediment each crowned by a baroque finial is a classic and positive distortion from Neoclassicism's plain features.

Santa Barbara Church: The Seat of Iloilo's Revolutionary Government

The Classic facade of Santa Barbara Church is a beautiful example of Baroque Renaissance Architecture. The exaggerated use of cornices created a three-layered effect on the facade. Baroque Finials dominate the church pediment. Archwindows with graceful curves gave the church few romanesque additions. The convent of Santa Barbara, is of Moorish designs, such designs were derived from Southern Spain's Moorish regions.

Pavia Church

Built completely of clean bricks and coral stones, this simple byzantine church is a must see when in Iloilo. Exteriorly, the church is gracefully dominated by paired archwindows while the second level is ornamented with complex round windows. The church itself does not say that it is unfinished since it is already a compelling structure.

Duenas Church

This very imposing Neoclassic Church was built of creamy limestones. Even if the present church was constructed in the late 1800's, its convent however,  was amongst the four earliest parishes established in the island of Panay. The baroque belfries cooperate with the facade to give an undeniably extreme baroque movement.

Dingle Church

Amongst Iloilo's Churches, Dingle has the most unique appeal. It is a plain Neoclassic church where the two-levelled belfry adds up a massive fortress-like baroque remark to the edifice's overall appearance.

Miagao Church: The UNESCO World Heritage Site

The world famous church of Miagao has been referred as one of the Philippines' most remarkable tourist destinations. It is obviously true since the church is the best representation of genuine Filipino artistry, the facade of Miagao, the most ornate of its kind, is extremely decorated with curves and irregular movent, a design from the lines of the Rococo, Churrisguresque and Baroque. The church of Miagao is also noted for the belfries which are not symmetrical.

Guimbal Church: The Church of Flowers

Made of yellowish limestones, the church of Guimbal is noted for its varied rosettes, the yellowish color of the church adds up a flowery elegance into the facade, Twinned pilasters are evident derivations of the neoclassic style.  The one-level affair of the church is given a massive appeal by the four levelled belfry.

San Joaquin Church

This beautiful baroque church is noted to be one of its kind. It is neoclassic in style, however the relief which is used as a pediment imposed a different aspects of architecture which might be under the Baroque lines. floral carvings also dominate the archwindows of the church while finials crown the pediment.

Tigbauan Church

The facade of Tigbauan is a unique form of Baroque architecture reffered as Churrisguresque. Flowers and angels are carved on this ornate relief. The style used in architecture is believed to be inspired by the Aztec art. The faces and the style of curves carved on this relief are similar with the ones found in Aztec temples.

Ruins of Leon Church

It was believed that the church of Leon was built to be the largets church in the islands of Panay. In terms of floor area, the church of Leon holds the title of being the widest in the entire Philippine archipelago. However, this three nave church was never finished. Whatever the reason, the unfinished state of the church remained uncompleted. Some parts of the church became ruins after the renovation of its interior. The present size of the church was somehow shorten leaving the apse in ruins.

Alimodian Church

History is at its peak while in Alimodian's church. This brown limestone church, possibly of Neoclassic architecture has a very artistic interior. The belfry was once believed the tallest in all of Panay and Negros Island. Today, only the first level of the belfry remains since the other levels were destroyed by the 1948 earthquake.

Santa Ana Church

The Gothic Reniassance church of Santa Ana in Molo district is one of Iloilo City's best colonial edifices. The church is obviously a unique gem which has an outstanding european appeal. The overall design is a combination of Spanish Romanesque and Gothic. One might notice a  parade of female saints on the church interior, thus giving the church a feminist remark. The church belfry, a design from the Gothic lines of architecture, impose a medieval sense of art, while the absense of gargoyles gives it a smooth neo-classic symmetry.

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral

This Majestic Church built of varied architectural designs is the centre of religion in Western Visayas. On the interior, male saints stand on every pillar.  The original design is Baroque as proven by its ornate interior. The exterior however can be classified either as Romanseque or Byzantine.

Lapaz Church

The Church of Lapaz is a very ornate Neoclassic church with Roman and greek styles. It is a smaller replica of San Jose Church in downtown Iloilo.

San Jose Church

This Carribean Neoclassic church played an important role in the second world war. The church, a very plain rendition of renaissance architecture is imposed by its four levelled twin towers, the one-level affair of the facade is given a secondary division by the second level windows which marks the location of the choir loft. The interrior of the church is a fine example of roman architecture with few rococo features.  

Photos from: Explore Iloilo and Lingganay

Dumangas Church

This ornate gothic church was once the most artistic in country. The facade is excessively decorated with different kinds of carvings. the limestone windows are carved with artistic rosettes. The second level of the church is taken over by Greek and Roman styles.

Barotac Nuevo Church

Simplicity is imposed by this neoclassic church which is an important historical gem in Iloilo. It is one of the earliest churches constructed in the island of Panay.

Photos from: Explore Iloilo and Lingganay