The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized the Baroque Churches of the Philippines as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
Baroque Churches – A World Heritage Site in the Philippines
Blending ancient beauty with youthful and modern elements, the Philippines boasts numerous beautiful destinations and many UNESCO-recognized heritage sites. Among these recognized heritages are the Baroque Churches. This collection consists of four churches located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay, and Miag-ao, built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Specifically, they include the San Agustin Church in Manila; the Church of La Nuestra Senora Asuncion la de Santa Maria; San Agustin Church in Paoay; and Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao. All four churches exhibit the European Baroque architectural style, designed and constructed by the Spanish.
Exterior view of the Baroque Churches in the Philippines
These four churches have created a building style and design that is very suitable for the material conditions and lifestyle in the Philippines. They also significantly influenced design and architecture in the Philippines and other nearby countries. The Baroque style can be understood as an architectural style that combines European design with local materials, incorporating traditional decorative patterns and carvings used skillfully in these designs. All four churches were built during periods of war and chaos, which explains their robust and sturdy construction. During the design phase of the Baroque churches in the Philippines, engineers also calculated to ensure they could withstand earthquakes. To this day, researchers still admire the engineers who created the solid walls and pillars that have allowed these churches to endure through centuries and numerous battles. These designs are so famous that they are often referred to as earthquake Baroque architecture.
San Agustin Church in Manila.
San Agustin Church in Manila originates from the Agustinian churches built in Mexico, being the closest replica of the Puebla Cathedral in Mexico. San Agustin Church has survived World War II, despite suffering from bombings and the effects of war.
Church of La Nuestra Senora Asuncion la de Santa Maria
The Church of La Nuestra Senora Asuncion la de Santa Maria is located on top of a hill. During the war in the Philippines, this church served as a fortress to protect the people and was also used as a stronghold against the enemy. The church’s design is solid, with two large pillars on either side. The bricks used for the church construction are unique, fired at high temperatures, deep red in color, and exceptionally durable.
San Agustin Church in Paoay
San Agustin Church in Paoay is regarded as the most robust structure in terms of earthquake resistance. This unique Baroque architecture incorporates the earthquake-resistant techniques of 16th and 17th-century engineers. San Agustin in Paoay is also built of brick, but some features such as the bell tower and the 24 curved wall sections are made from coral stone, creating a majestic and solemn beauty for the church.
Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao
Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao is the most frequently attacked of the four churches mentioned. This site has often been targeted by Muslim raiders from the south. The church features numerous watchtowers and secret bunkers built to protect the townspeople.
The Baroque Churches were recognized by UNESCO based on criterion (ii): The group of churches establishes a building style that is very suitable for the material conditions and lifestyle in the Philippines. Additionally, these designs have a significant architectural influence in the region.
Criterion (iv): The Baroque Churches of the Philippines represent the fusion of European church design and local materials in decorative patterns, creating a new style of church architecture.
To this day, the four Baroque churches remain highly attractive destinations for both domestic and international tourists. They also represent unique architecture that draws the attention of researchers in culture, history, and fine arts.
