The church at the top of the hill

Going back to my blog’s main theme which is travelling with a touch of history, I will now focus on the source of history of almost all the places here in the Philippines.

Welcome arch of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

It is very common among the churches in the province of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, that their belfry is situated apart from the main church itself. So far the farthest distance that a belfry is situated far from the church is the sinking bell tower of Laoag.

The 86- stairway steps

This church located in the province of Ilocos Sur, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage List of churches here in our country.

Santa Maria Church's facade

The church of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, is one of the four baroque churches here in the Philippines, together with the San Agustin church of Intramuros, Manila, Paoay Church of Ilocos Norte, Miag- ao Church of Iloilo.












Baroque style churches were considered special because there are only a few churches here in our country that was designed in that style. Baroque styles among churches are also considered as earthquake baroque.

What makes the church different from the other churches is that this one is situated atop a hill. One can also see how the locals preserved the Spanish vibe of the church.

Before Santa Maria church became a parish it served as a chapel for the church of Narvacan, it was built in the year 1769. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Assumption.

A mural on the first buttress, that can be seen once
 you reach the top. The mural is based on how the locals,
saw their patron perched on a branch of a guava tree.

The locals call their patron as “Apo Baket”, and believed to be miraculous. Locals say that they often saw the Virgin perched on one of the branches of a guava tree. This guava tree is situated atop the hill where the church is presently located.







The image face and hands, are made of ivory, and is always wearing embroidered vestments.

Buttresses that supports the church

As for the church’s structure, the facade is very simple, composed of bricks and window, there are no detailed designs and intricate carvings. To support the church’s structure, big buttresses were attached to the walls of the church.

The pagoda- like structure
 of the church's belfry

The belfry situated distant from the church, was built when the church was renovated in the year 1810, due to constant renovation, the currently imposing structure of the belfry somehow caused it to lean gradually. Attached on the belfry was a big clock, the design for the bell tower is simple as well, yet it follows the motif of the church itself. One must climb an 85- step stairway to reach the church.

To top it all, the church is simple and beautiful when it comes to how it represents the culture of the Philippines. For me, this church is the one that still have the Spanish vibe, from the facade, nave and altar.

Altar of Santa Maria church

Retablo Mayor of Santa Maria church
A "pahalikan" is situated at the back of the altar
(look at the back drop of the niche of Our Lady of Assumption)

Church's pulpit

The church's nave

The location of the church is also suitable for their patron, which is Our Lady of Assumption, because, it is located atop a hill overlooking the town, as if saying that the Virgin Mary is the one protecting the town.

view from the side of the church

So, I mainly explained the church of Santa Maria, as for other details about the town, the other tourists destinations are Pinsal falls, and beaches that are located among coastal barangays. You may also want to walk on the old Spanish bridge located in town (which I got to have the chance to walk on to, but didn’t got to take picture of it). It is built of orange bricks, and can support ten wheeler trucks and buses. As for food, the province of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, is famous for empanada, there are food stalls located at the foot of the hill wherein you can go eat and taste some of the town’s delicacies.

They say it is a pathway that connects the convent
to the church, but I don't see any portal at the upper
part of the church.
Well, this is one of its unique features. 

Well, I’m sorry for focusing too much on the church, because it really caught my attention on how beautiful it is, and it really deserves to be in the UNESCO World Heritage List, plus it is a Marian church.

Photos used are all mine.