Baclayon Church: Beauty in Faith

Most tourists may be drawn to Bohol by dreams of seeing its natural wonders and beautiful white sand beaches but unknown to some, Bohol holds some of the oldest churches in the Philippines that are steeped in history. Central to these churches that date back to the early years of the Spanish colonization is the Baclayon Church. 

The beautiful Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church was built in 1595 and is regarded as the second oldest stone church in the country. It took more than 200 local laborers and at least 10 years to complete the construction of the church. It was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1994 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2010. It was heavily damaged in the earthquake of 2013 but was later restored in 2017.

Here's what you need to know about Baclayon Church.

Location
The Baclayon Church is located in the coastal town of Baclayon in the southeastern part of Bohol. It is a heavy-set stone church that lies along the main highway and overlooking the sea. It is approximately 6 kilometers from the provincial capital, Tagbilaran City. 

As the national road passes through its doors, Baclayon Church is easily accessible via public transportation. If you're on a packaged tour or a private van service, you can ask your guide or driver to include Baclayon Church in your itinerary for the day.     

The Church and its Features
Baclayon Church is built mainly out of coral stones cemented together using a mixture of egg whites and sand. From the road, its most noticeable feature is the huge quadrangular bell tower on the right side. This structure also became handy as a watchtower during the Spanish times against frequent Moro raidings of the Christian settlements. The tower was originally detached from the main church but was connected after the addition of the portico. 

The church bell tower and portico

The facade of the church is covered by a portico which leads to the main doors of the church. It has three round arches supported by thick pillars. Inscribed on these arches is the name of the church - Baclayon Inmaculada Concepcion Church. Unlike most old churches, Baclayon appears to be humble and modest outside as the portico does not have majestic columns and intricate carvings. It is decorated with nothing more than four niches containing different religious images.

The interior of Baclayon Church blanketed in
colorful frescoes

Beautiful and colorful frescoes of religious scenes

Upon entering the church, however, one becomes overwhelmed with the sight of beautiful frescoes and colorful stained glass windows. The other end of the church is dominated by a magnificent grand altar lit by chandeliers and flanked by two other side altars. The grand altar contains 18th and 19th-century images of St. Joseph, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Anne, St. Joachim, the Immaculate Concepcion, and the Holy Trinity. Above the altar are more paintings depicting religious figures and scenes.

The grand altar of Baclayon Church

Behind the church's main structure is the convento. Designed after a typical bahay na bato, it serves as the priests' living quarters and is used as the church's museum. The museum houses valuable religious relics and other antique items.

Admission
The good news for those who want to see Baclayon Church is that it's free to enter. A fee is charged only when you want to visit the church museum but to just wander around the church is absolutely free of charge. 

The entrance fee to the museum is PHP50 per person.

Have you visited the Baclayon Church? Please share your experience in the comment box below!

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