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Friday, May 1, 2009

Tigbauan Church and her Intricate Facade

Considered as one of the earliest Churches built in the Philippines, The Church of San Juan de Sahagun in the coastal town of Tigbauan was constructed in the 16th century, in a time when some towns in Iloilo were not yet even established. Like the churches of Miag-ao and San Joaquin, the facade of Tigbauan Church is overwhelmed by artistic carvings. The facade however  is inspired by Churrisgueresque Architecture, a type of Baroque architecture that originated in Spain and flourished in Mexico and Texas, thus making the church the only one of it's kind in the country.
The sprawling 'bas-relief' decorating the facade portal appears to be like a 'retablo' and is overwhelmed by floral designs, a very intricate version of the Agustinian symbol of the transfixed heart and a cherub that appears to be more like a crown of the church door.
What makes Tigbauan Church unique is that the walls of the interior is built with beautiful mosaics depicting important events in Christ's life. This feature, makes the church a one of a kind tourist destination and an art gallery that is surprisingly awe-spiring.

11 comments:

Markus Tnbrg Tennberg said...

Thank you so much Giancarlo, I really like your documetation of the colonial churches of the Philippines. I actually spent 2 months in The island city of Samal and Davao city in 2001. My step mother and step sister are pinay and my brother is half pinoy, so it makes me extra happy to find a comment from the Philippines.

escape said...

I should say that Iloilo has really beautiful old churches. visiting just three in a day last year was really exciting. i talked to byahilo and he was telling me there's a lot to see. one i believe is this church.

Markus Tnbrg Tennberg said...

Whats an SLR? Like photoshop or something?

Unknown said...

Hi! You have a great blog here, your photos are wonderful! Looking forward to learn more of Iloilo! :-)
Thank you for your visit and nice comment!
Cheers

Markus Tnbrg Tennberg said...

Aha.. now I know what an SLR is, but no I use a simple Canon PowerShot digicam :) but u know what they say its all about the motive :)

Yeah its actually quite cold here right now about 5 degrees celsius..brrr..

Catherine said...

Indeed a very beautiful church, and it reminds me of many similar ones found here in Mexico...

Friendz said...

Hello friend!
I am passing by to wish you a great weekend!

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such a beautiful church! you know I have noticed that the old churches are all amazingly gorgeous, they have some kind of ancient appealing, don't you think?

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ryan said...

Hello,my dear friend let me correct, it's not San Nicolas de Tolentino church in Tigbauan but rather San Juan de Sahagun..

iloilo onfoot said...

Hey Ryan. thank for that information.
I've just corrected it.

cheers.

Happy Dinagyang Season to you.:)