Paoay Church is located at Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The Roman Catholic church was started in 1694 and was completed in 1710. The church is an example of Earthquake Baroque architecture which is basically architecture made to adapt to the conditions of the area. And since Philippines lies on the Ring of Fire, the country is frequently visited by earthquakes. The architecture is demonstrated through its thicker and heavily buttressed walls and wider proportions.The Church was also declared as a National Treasure by the then late President Ferdinand Marcos. In 1993, it was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the prime examples of Baroque Churches in the Philippines along with San Agustin Church (Intramuros, Manila), Miag-ao Church (Iloilo), and Santa Maria Church (Ilocos Sur). Site #677. The facade exudes Javanese architecture.
 |
| Paoay Church |
We were lucky that the crowd a large crowd dissipated after a few minutes and gave me a chance to take photos of the interior of the church. The Parish was founded by Agustinian missionaries in 1593 and the cornerstone was laid in 1704. The Church was damaged twice by earthquake in 1706 and 1927.
 |
| One of the colorful windows of Paoay Church |
The Church's tower was used as an observation post during the revolution and the Japanese Occupation. Its bell tower is made of coral stone and is detached from the main building. This was done to ensure the sanctuary is safe in case the tower collapses.
 |
| Church Tower |
Visited: December 2012
Address: Marcos Avenue, Paoay, Philippines (Map)
Related Links and Sources
UNESCO World Heritage - http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677
Heritage Conservation Society - http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/paoay-church/
Serial Tripper - http://serialtripper.com/2011/10/paoay-church-ilocos-norte/
No comments:
Post a Comment