Baroque Churches of the Philippines

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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 1993.

The collection is composed of the following:

San Agustin Church in Manila
Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo

San Agustin Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines built by Spanish Augustinian missionaries.

These churches have been at the forefront of Philippine history, not just in furthering Christianity in the archipelago, but in serving as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule, when Church and State was regarded as one. The unique architecture of the churches didn't just reflect the adaptation of Spanish/Latin American architecture to the local environment (including the fusion with Chinese motifs), but also of the Church's political influence. These churches had been subject to attacks by local revolts and rebellions, hence, most had the appearance of a fortress, rather than just serving as mere religious structures. This is especially noteworthy in the case of Santa Maria Church, located on top of a hill, serving as a citadel during times of crisis. Miag-ao Church also withstood the occasional attacks of Muslims from the south.

Paoay Church and belfry.

Further, the location of the Philippines along the Pacific Ring of Fire called for the emphasis on the buttresses and foundations of these churches, with some being seriously damaged, but eventually rebuilt after an earthquake. The most imposing of these buttresses could be found in Paoay Church, while the true testament of this architecture could be seen in San Agustin Church, Manila, the only structure in Intramuros to survive World War II. Hence, the unique architectural style became known as Earthquake Baroque.

[edit] Greater protection

Aside from these four churches, the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has also designated the conservation and protection of 26 other Spanish-era churches to be of utmost importance. These were registered as National Cultural Treasures.

These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation:

Parish Church of San Agustin in Bacong, Negros Oriental
Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Balayan, Batangas
Parish Church of Santiago Apostol in Betis Guagua, Pampanga
Parish Church of Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon, Cebu²
Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Calasiao, Pangasinan
Parish Church of San Vicente de Ferrer in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar^{1 2}
Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental
Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental
Parish Church of San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor²
Parish Church of San Pedro and San Pablo in Loboc, Bohol^{1 2}
Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Luna, La Union
Parish Church of San Carlos Borromeo in Mahatao, Batanes
Parish Church of San Guillermo de Aquitania in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
Parish Church of San Gregorio Magno in Majayjay, Laguna
Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Maragondon, Cavite¹
Parish Church of San Andres in Masinloc, Zambales
Parish Church of Santa Monica in Pan-ay, Capiz
Cathedral of San Jose in Romblon, Romblon
Parish Church of San Raymundo de Peñafort in Rizal, Cagayan
Parish Church of San Joaquin in San Joaquin, Iloilo
Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco, Albay
Parish Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, Rizal
Basilica of St. Michael Archangel in Tayabas, Quezon
Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Tayum, Abra
Parish Church of San Matias in Tumauini, Isabela²

¹ On August 15, 1993, these churches, along with the one in Baclayon, Bohol were nominated for World Heritage Site status as part of the Jesuit Churches of the Philippines.
² On May 16, 2006, the NCCA nominated a new set of churches as part of the extension of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines World Heritage Site. With the inclusion of two churches from the Jesuit Churches nomination, these two proposals will likely be combined.

[edit] External links

	World Heritage Sites in the Philippines
	Banaue Rice Terraces \| Baroque Churches of the Philippines \| Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park \| Tubbataha Reef Marine Park \| Vigan