Baroque churches - Philippines

The United Nations Science, Education and Culture Organization recognized the Philippine Baroque churches as a World Cultural Heritage in 1993.

Baroque-style churches - World cultural heritage in the Philippines

Bringing together ancient beauty and youthful and modern features, the Philippines has many beautiful destinations and many heritage recognized by Unesco. One of the recognized heritage is Baroque churches . This is a collection of 04 churches built in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao built around the 16th to 18th centuries. Specifically, San Agustin Church in Manila; Church of La Nuestra Senora Asuncion la de Santa Maria; Church of San Agustin Paoay; Santo Tomas de Villanueva Miag-ao church . All four churches are Baroque architectural style of Europe and designed by the Spanish.

Photos outside of Baroque-style churches in the Philippines

These four churches have created a style of construction and design that is very suitable for the physical condition as well as life in the Philippines. These churches have also created a relatively large influence in the design as well as shaping in the Philippines and some other countries in the region. The Baroque style can be interpreted as an architectural style that combines European style and local materials, traditional decorative and carved patterns that are cleverly used in these designs. All four churches were built during war periods with many chaos, and because of this reason, the churches were built very firmly and solidly. When planning to design Philippine Baroque churches, engineers were also calculated so they could withstand earthquakes. Until now, researchers still have to respect the engineers who have created strong walls and pillars that keep the church alive through centuries and battles until today. These designs are so famous that they are called the Baroque earthquake architecture.

San Agustin Church in Manila.

San Agustin Church in Manila is derived from the Agustinian church built in Mexico, is the nearest replica of Mexico's Puebla church. The San Agustin Church survived the Second World War although it was also bombarded and heavily influenced by the war.

Church of La Nuestra Senora Asuncion la de Santa Maria

Church of La Nuestra Senora Asuncion la de Santa Maria is located on the top of a hill. During the war in the Phillpines, this church was used as a stronghold to protect the people and to be used as a stronghold against the enemy. The design of this church from the outside has seen solidity with two large pillars on either side. Church building bricks are also very special fired at high temperatures, dark red and absolutely sustainable.

San Agustin Church in Paoay

The San Agustin Church in Paoay is considered the most solid work in dealing with and being able to withstand high earthquakes. This is a unique Baroque architecture combined with earthquake-proof techniques of 16th and 17th century engineers. San Agustin in Paoay is also built of bricks, but a number of architectures such as the bell tower, the 24 pillars of the pillar are made of coral stone, creating a unique, spectacular and solemn beauty for the church.

Santo Tomas de Villanueva Miag-ao church

Santo Tomas de Villanueva Miag-ao church is the most attacked place among the four churches mentioned above. This place is frequently attacked by Muslims from the south. In the church there are many watchtower and secret tunnels built to protect the townspeople.

Baroque-style churches are recognized by Unesco by the criteria (ii): The church group established a style of design that is very suitable for the physical conditions as well as life in the Philippines. At the same time these designs have an important influence on the architecture of the church in the area.

Criterion (iv): Philippine Baroque churches represent a combination of European church design and construction using local materials in decorative patterns to create a one-architecture architecture. new church

So far, 04 Baroque churches are one of the very attractive places for both domestic and international visitors. At the same time, these are also unique architecture that researchers of culture, history and art are very interested in.