Paoay Church | UNESCO World Heritage Site
Century old churches are always part of my post here and I've been to different places just to discover them. Paoay Church is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. If we have Barasoain Church in Bulacan, we also have Paoay Church in Ilocos.
The structure of this church is made up of baked bricks, coral rocks, tree sap and solid lumber. The 24 buttresses were also placed on each side of the church for support and those are the reason why it is still standing after the quakes in 17th century up to this generation.
Here's part of the history: the Parish founded by Augustinian missionaries, 1593. Cornerstone of church laid, 1704; of convent, 1707; or tower, 1793. Used before completion and kept in repair by the people under the joint Auspices of the Church and the town officials. Inauguration ceremonies, 28 February 1896.
Its bell tower was separated to the structure of the main building, so if in case that there will be a destructive earthquake and the main building will collapse, the bell tower will still stand. This tower was used as the observation post by the Katipuneros in 1896 during the Philippine revolution. The bell tower also served as a status symbol for the residents. The bell would ring loudly and faster during the wedding of a prominent people which is contrary for the poor.
On the left side of the church is the St. Agustine Garden where you you can find different flowers forming a beautiful landscape designed with fountain on the side. From this area, if you're facing the left side of the church, it's like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur Temple of Java in front view.
