The Church of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
Last when we visited Vigan, Ilocos Sur, we see to it that we included Santa Maria Church in our itinerary as one of the off-the-beaten path, since it is just 30 minutes drive from Vigan proper.
The Baroque Church of Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur was built by the Augustinian Friars during the Spanish times. The Church is not only a reminiscent of the four centuries of Spanish domination but also it is a unique structure with a diversified architectural design that is made of stones and mortar.
The church was built on top of a hill not only as a look-out but also as a religious center during the Spanish times. If you want to go to the church one must climb 85 steps to reach the top. The stonewall fortresses of the church was used for protection against enemy attack in the old days. And the buttresses were built to withstand the powers of earthquakes common in the region.
It also served as a citadel in the old days.
The bell tower beside the church was built in 1810 and was furnished in 1811. The belfry of Sta. Maria is really unique for the structure is slightly leaning.
What I like about Sta. Maria Church is its location on the top of the Hill, for you can view the nearby towns and municipality 360 degree. Aside from that, the church backyard is really beautiful for it is covered in green, “cadena de amor”.
The baroque church of Santa Maria is one of the four Baroque churches in the Philippines that is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also considered as a Masterpiece.
The leaning bell tower of Sta. Maria Church.
1emz
wrote on 27 March 2009 at 9:35
hey! you look great… mis u na odj. i hope someday i can go to ilocos also to see the said church,. hehehe… c yah!
2Cris Segismundo
wrote on 11 August 2009 at 17:42
In front of the church is this how it looks like now? It wasn’t like that when I left in 1976. I’m sure the church has the money to bring back the or close to the original bricks or texture color. It is an eye sour or annoying to watch especially in front to a different color pasted in front view. Well I can suggest them to ask money, there’s a lot of Santa Maria organizations here in the States or any where in the world today. This church is really a historic. If somebody reading this can someone mention this idea to church leader or the town mayor?
3Vanessa
wrote on 27 August 2011 at 23:36
ya the people in there are so sweet and nice and i love the food in there also hahahah
im planing to go back in ilocos and have a very fun vacation ! but im here in Paris so i miss ilocos,bohol and many more PHILIPPINES ROCKS ♥
4Allen Trottier
wrote on 31 October 2011 at 15:17
Santa Maria was the first place I visited, on my first trip to the Philippines. I have to get back there again some time.