Santa Anna Church: Iloilo's Finest Gothic Church

It seems that Gothic architecture is very rare in the Philippine archipelago. In Iloilo, we have a number of Gothic structures varrying from ancestral mansions, colonial era commercial buildings, schools and churches. The most popular amongst these attractions is the Gothic Renaissance Church Molo dedicated to Santa Anna.Aside from being a Beautiful Edifice, the church is very historical since the Country's National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal once visited the church just to admire its Biblical-inspired beauty. It is noticeable that the church regards womanhood since female saints dominate the aisles heading to the altar. Exteriorly, the church is of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The first and second level is decorated by tuscan and corinthian pilasters with roman windows decorated by geometric designs. The third level of the church is finely gothic in style proven by spirelets and gothic arch-niches and windows. Ineteriorly, the church is Romanesque but few elements of gothic architecture lifts its submissive features. Five wooden retablos are designed in Gothic architecture which gives the church a domination of Gothic- reniassance artistry.

Why I Love Molo Church? The spires of St. Anne church never failed to astonish me. It's grandeur is like no other and it's colonial environment complements its splendid millieu. The relaxing ambiance of the districts square burgeoned by enchanting trees gives the setting a classic medieval touch worth seeing.

Baroque Cemetery of Cabatuan

The cemetery of Cabatuan is byzantine and roman in architecture. Three Roman Arches dominate the front gates each adorned by multilayered pillars. The layout of the cemetery is described as the model of zoning and uniformity.

The Chapel in the middle of the cemetery is built out of gray stones using Gothic, Roman, Byzantine, Baroque and Tuscan Architectures. The relief anterior of the three arch doors are amongst the most elaborate rendition of the skull and the crossbone. Gothic rosettes finely decorate the cornice and the roman arches give it a uniquely baroque impression.

Though Octagonal, the interior of the cemetery is oval. The crucified Christ on the altar signifies that all souls were saved from their sins. And that Heaven awaits those who accepted Christ as their savior.

The Traveler: Iloilo Onfoot's Busy Feet

Who is Giancarlo?
Giancarlo is a young traveler/student/blogger/amateur photographer and visual artist. He was born in Jaro, grew up in Janiuay and is currently living in Cabatuan(Iloilo). He is fond of art and is currently exploring the world of photography.

Why Iloilo Onfoot?
Fond of taking pictures of old heritage sites, beautiful places and traditional way of life, Giancarlo aims to showcase different images of Iloilo. He wants the world to discover a beautiful province in the heart of the Philippine Archipelago.

What Else?
Giancarlo is the first president of the Heritage Conservation Society Iloilo. A non profit organization aimed to preserve Iloilo's historical legacies. HCS Iloilo aims to build awareness and educate the public about how important heritage conservation is.

Would You like to help Iloilo Onfoot?
If you want to help Iloilo Onfoot, you may subscribe to our posts and donations are encouraged. Emotional support is very well appreciated so try visiting us as often as you can!

Contact Giancarlo
If you need to contact Giancarlo, you may want to send him an email at pacificleopard@yahoo.com.

Thank You and God bless...

Pavia Church: Iloilo's Italian inspired Church

From Sta. Barbara or going to Sta. Barbara, one might pass Pavia, Western Visayas' Agro-Industrial centre which is the smallest municipality in the Province. It lies adjacent to Jaro and San Miguel and is oen of the most vital town's which plays a big role in Iloilo developing economy.

Pavia was established with regards to an Italian City also named Pavia. The church of Pavia, here in Iloilo was designed similarly with the Romanesque Basilica of Pavia, Italy.

Pavia Church in honor of Sta. Monica is Iloilo's only redstone church which means that it was built of no ordinary bricks. Byzantine Architecture dominates the wall ornaments and the central structure of the church. The multi-layered arch windows are built of white coral stones and so as the pillared arch-entrances. Simplicity and cleanliness dominates the entire facade of the church. The only ornaments found are the carved greek cross and the consequent archwindows and multilayered rose windows.