SOUTHERN ILOILO CHURCHES: MIAG-AO CHURCH

The province of Iloilo in Western Visayas has always been a part of Philippine history, one way or another. The Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi even moved his headquarters from Cebu to Oton, Iloilo. Thus as the leading province during this period Iloilo is widely known for its old-world architecture especially the grand Spanish colonial churches, which can be seen in almost all towns of the province.

Iloilo, maps.google.com

MIAG-AO CHURCH

The Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva was built in 1797 and is one of the four baroque churches in the Philippines to be declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church served as a fortress against Muslim raiders, thus the church is also known as the Miag-ao Fortress Church. It has been damaged both by man and nature twice, and the church was restored in 1962.

The church is made from yellowish limestones, and it is known for the intricate design of its facade and the pyramidal bell towers.

"The central feature of the bas-relief facade is a large coconut tree which reaches almost to the apex. While an integral part of the Philippine landscape, the coconut tree is also the subject of lore. According to an old Philippine legend, the coconut tree was the only bequest from a loving mother to her two children, a tree which sustained them for life. On the church's facade the coconut tree appears as the "tree of life" to which St. Christopher carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder is clinging to. The lesser facades feature the daily life of Miagaowanons during the time. Also depicted are other native flora and fauna, as well as native dress." from en.wikipedia.org

For additional information, click here .



HOW TO GET THERE

From Iloilo Terminal Market (or commonly called Super) or near Iloilo Supermarket Molo, ride a Miag-ao or San Joaquin-bound jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at the church. The trip would usually last 1-2hours depending on the stops and volume of passenger, and the fare is Php45.

From Miag-ao's official website (click here)
40 minutes by bus, van, or jeepney from Iloilo City
1 hour ride by bus, van, or jeepney from San Jose, Antique
55 minute ride by plane from Manila to Iloilo City
30 minute ride by plane from Cebu City to Iloilo City
18 hour ride by ship from Manila to Iloilo City
12 hour ride by ship from Cebu City to Iloilo City

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