As part of our Visita Iglesia pilgrimage across Ilocos Norte, one of our more memorable stops was at the St. Anne Church of Piddig. Quietly perched on a hill, the church looks over the town like a silent guardian. A wide central stairway leads up to the church entrance, flanked by stone and brick fences that speak of its age and resilience. Despite its peaceful surroundings, this church has seen war, disaster, and remarkable restoration over the centuries.

Originally established as a visita of nearby Dingras, Piddig was granted independence as a parish in 1770.

The architecture of the church 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.

The church’s history reflects the resilience of the people of Piddig. During the Philippine–American War, it was used as a base by a small team of Filipino guerrillas who managed to hold off early American attacks. Later, in World War II, the 21st Infantry of the American forces occupied the complex, making Piddig the military capital of Ilocos Norte. But in a tragic turn, the Japanese Imperial Forces raided and burned the town, setting fire to the convent, sacristy, and all church records and furnishings.

Adding to the challenges, the church tower was damaged by an earthquake on March 19, 1932. Fortunately, the damage was quickly addressed within the same year by Monsignor Arsenio Pacis. A more extensive restoration followed in 1965, which focused on reviving the façade and interior, returning some of the church’s former elegance.

However, time and weather eventually took their toll. In September 2014, the church was deemed structurally unsafe and was closed to the public. It stood empty for five years before reopening in 2019 after significant renovation efforts.