{"id":3649,"date":"2017-03-05T11:09:09","date_gmt":"2017-03-05T03:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/primer.com.ph\/travel\/?p=3649"},"modified":"2021-02-23T11:08:39","modified_gmt":"2021-02-23T03:08:39","slug":"a-beautiful-piece-of-history-paoay-church","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/travel\/2017\/03\/05\/a-beautiful-piece-of-history-paoay-church\/","title":{"rendered":"Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte: The Stunning Historical Icon of the North"},"content":{"rendered":"

When in Ilocos Norte, do not miss out on taking a short visit to one of the famous tourist destination and a world heritage site standing right in the heart of Paoay, the magnificent <\/span>San Agustin Church<\/b>, or also known as the <\/span>Paoay Church<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Paoay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, having completed its construction in 1710. It was declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 and was then included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site\u2019s collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Paoay Church outstanding from other well-known churches around the country is its impressive pyramid-like structure considered as a primary example of the earthquake baroque style of architecture characterized by its thick walls made from coral stones and bricks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"A close look on the wall details of the church<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Its striking feature is the 24 heavy buttresses placed on the church\u2019s sides and back which serves as a strong foundation against natural disasters such as earthquakes. That is why the Paoay Church still remains strong for over three centuries now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"A glimpse of Paoay Church’s 24 striking buttresses on each side of the\u00a0structure<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Its facade is reminiscent of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino influences with its gothic, baroque, and oriental design. Inside the church is\u00a0the\u00a0gold plated\u00a0altar with a\u00a0figure of its patron Saint Agustine\u00a0<\/span>as\u00a0a centerpiece.<\/p>\n

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Another interesting fact is San Agustin Church\u2019s contribution to Philippine history as its adjacent three-story bell tower was once used by the Katipuneros as an observation post during the Spanish revolution. There is also a small sanctuary or prayer garden on the right side of the church called the <\/span>Jardin de San Agustin.<\/b><\/p>\n

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The regal stance of the church, green landscape surrounding the building, and the blue skies as background all combined makes the church a one of a kind scenic attraction. Plus, it is near Paoay\u2019s famous restaurants such as Herencia\u2019s and Smoke Bar Restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also read:\u00a0REFMAD Farms Highlights Dragonfruit Benefits from Hopia to Bath Soaps<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

When visiting, remember to wear decent clothing and avoid making loud noises as a form of respect to the holy place.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get here:<\/strong><\/p>\n