One last post about our trip to Bantayan Island (see previous two posts)—the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, better known simply as Bantayan Church.
The church had already closed for the night when we went to visit, but the caretaker graciously opened it for us when he found out that we had a priest in our group. The parish traces its history back to 11 June 1580 when the Spanish
Agustinians established it. The first church was destroyed when the town
was attacked by Muslim pirates in 1600. It was rebuilt in the same year
but was transferred to the management of secular priests. The current church was constructed in 1839–1863. Unfortunately, the plaque on the wall didn't say what happened to the previous building.
The church's design is typical of other Spanish-era churches in the country. A portion of the roof was damaged by
Typhoon Haiyan, but it had been repaired completely by the time we visited.
What makes Bantayan Church unique is the fact that it is made almost entirely of coral. Moss grows easily on them, but I think they just add beauty and interest to the walls.
And those walls are thick! I measured myself against the depth of a doorway, and I think the walls are easily six feet deep.
The church had already closed for the night when we went to visit, but the caretaker graciously opened it for us when he found out that we had a priest in our group. The parish traces its history back to 11 June 1580 when the Spanish
Agustinians established it. The first church was destroyed when the town
was attacked by Muslim pirates in 1600. It was rebuilt in the same year
but was transferred to the management of secular priests. The current church was constructed in 1839–1863. Unfortunately, the plaque on the wall didn't say what happened to the previous building. 
The church's design is typical of other Spanish-era churches in the country. A portion of the roof was damaged by Typhoon Haiyan, but it had been repaired completely by the time we visited. 
What makes Bantayan Church unique is the fact that it is made almost entirely of coral. Moss grows easily on them, but I think they just add beauty and interest to the walls.
And those walls are thick! I measured myself against the depth of a doorway, and I think the walls are easily six feet deep.
I wouldn't have thought coral would be used in such a fashion. I quite like the look of the church.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a coral building, that one is impressive. That sounds like a great team-building exercise.
ReplyDeletewow, coral as building material. i wonder what other buildings still standing in pi where they used coral.
ReplyDeleteI've also never seen a coral building, wow, what a surprise!
ReplyDeletea beautifull church in the night
ReplyDeleteHow lucky that you got a "private" viewing! Love the simple style too.
ReplyDeleteThat is simply gorgeous and very interesting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful church. It was nice of the caretaker to allow you to see it. I really like those coral walls.
ReplyDeleteI really like the look of this church's interior! Very attractive.
ReplyDeleteSuper shots! Looks an amazing place to visit.
ReplyDelete