Perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Sta. Maria in Ilocos Sur, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption stands as one of the most remarkable heritage churches in the Philippines. Tt was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, included in the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Spanish-era churches noted for their adaptation of European Baroque architecture to local conditions, particularly earthquakes.
Month: April 2025
St. Anne Church of Piddig
The architecture of the St. Anne Church of Piddig is inspired by the Jesuit Church of Il Gesù in Rome, built in 1568. The baroque-style façade features massive buttresses that serve as columns and volutes adorning the pediment. Inside, the original wooden pulpit remains intact, along with the central retablo displaying an image of St. Anne cradling the young Virgin Mary. Though the bell tower now stands partially in ruins, it continues to add a sense of grandeur to the site.
Chavit Singson’s Baluarte in Vigan
Vigan’s Baluarte is known primarily for its zoological park, which houses a range of animals like ostriches, camels, zebras, ponies, and deer, as well as birds, reptiles, and big cats like lions and tigers. Some of the animals are kept in enclosures, while others roam in more open areas or are featured in scheduled animal shows.
Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument in Laoag
The abolition of tobacco monopoly monument was erected in 1882 by then alcalde mayor (provincial governor) Don Jose Moreno Lacalle. It was built as a gesture of thanksgiving to King Alfonso XII of Spain, who abolished the tobacco monopoly that had burdened many communities in northern Luzon since the late 1700s.
Bacarra Church
The Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, more commonly known as Bacarra Church, was founded in 1593 by Augustinian friars. It is considered one of the most significant Spanish-era churches in the Philippines. The town of Bacarra itself was established earlier, on September 18, 1590, by the Augustinians as a mission center for the Apayaos. The land was originally owned by local chieftains named Castillo and Andres Hermosa, and the church was built on the site where an Igorot chieftain named Bacsalandoc had once established his settlement.
A Stroll at Calle Crisologo
Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is one of the most well-known heritage streets in the Philippines. Visiting it feels like stepping into a part of history that’s been carefully preserved. The street is lined with Spanish colonial-era houses, many of which have been converted into souvenir shops, restaurants, and inns.
La Virgen Milagrosa of Badoc
La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc, a centuries-old Marian statue believed to have originated from Japan during the Christian persecution in the 1600s, is enshrined in the Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. Discovered floating off the coast in 1620 alongside the Black Nazarene of Sinait, the Virgin’s statue has since become a revered symbol of faith.
The Luna Ancestral House in Badoc, Ilocos Norte
The original Luna house caught fire in 1861, which led the Luna family to move permanently to Manila, where the children continued their studies. The house was later reconstructed during the 1970s, and converted into a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Juan Luna. Inside, visitors can usually find reproductions of his artworks, as well as exhibits that tell the story of the Luna family.
Josefa Llanes Escoda House in Dingras
After visiting the Dingras Church for our Visita Iglesia, we learned that nearby was the birthplace of Josefa Llanes Escoda. Her name is familiar to many as the woman on the old 1,000-peso bill. She is also the founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Since it was just across the municipal hall and near the town plaza, we decided to make a short sidetrip. The site was easy to find, located beside the church grounds, and it didn’t take much time to explore.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
The trail was mostly dry and surrounded by grass and scattered rocks. After about 10 minutes, we finally reached the edge of the coast where the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation stood. From a distance, it looked like a large white sculpture rising from the rocky shore. The name “kapurpurawan” comes from the Ilocano word “puraw”, meaning white. It’s easy to see why. The rocks are a bright, almost chalky white, especially under the afternoon sun.
Patapat Viaduct and the Bangui Windmills
Northern Luzon is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks in the Philippines. Among these are two engineering marvels. They not only captivate the eyes but also reflect the ingenuity and sustainable vision of the region: the Patapat Viaduct and the Bangui Windmills. We had a chance to see them a day before our Visita Iglesia in Ilocos. So if you’re planning a road trip to Ilocos Norte, these two stops should be at the top of your list.
Visita Iglesia 2025 Part 2: Ilocos Sur Churches
We completed the first ten churches of our Visita Iglesia in Ilocos Norte. Then we continued our Holy Thursday pilgrimage southward into Ilocos Sur. Four more historic churches awaited us there. The transition between the two provinces was smooth. The landscape subtly shifted from wide open plains to more clustered towns and rolling hills. Each bore silent testimony to the centuries-old Christian heritage of the region.
Amoj In Wanderland 