Saint Lawrence’s Church (São Lourenço) @ Macau

“UNESCO World Heritage Site”

1560’s – First Built of Wood

Saint Augustine’s Church (Santo Agostinho) @ Macau

“UNESCO World Heritage Site”

Saint Joseph’s Church-São José (Macau)

About the Church: Established in 1728 and built in 1758, the old Seminary, together with St. Paul’s College, was the principal base for the missionary work implemented in China, Japan and around the region. This church, together with the Ruins of St. Paul’s, is the only example of baroque architecture in China (as noted in UNESCO’s 2001 publication Atlas mundial de la arquitectura barroca). Inside the church, in one of the lateral altars, lies one of Macao’s most precious religious relics, a piece of bone from the arm of St. Francis Xavier, that formerly belonged to the collection of the Church of Mater Dei (Ruins of St. Paul’s). St. Joseph’s Seminary taught an academic curriculum equivalent to that of a university and in 1800 the Portuguese Queen Dona Maria I conferred on it the royal title of “House of the Mission Congregation”.

The church facade is 27 metres wide and 19 metres at the highest point. A broken arch, typical of baroque architecture, tops the main entrance of the church. The curved pediment displays the Jesuit insignia at the centre. The facade is characterized by moulded plaster relief, accentuated in white against the plain wall rendered in yellow. The church is laid out in a Latin cross, with its axis measuring 16 metres by 27 metres. The three altars are elaborately ornamented, incorporating pediments supported on two sets of four spiral columns decorated with gold-leaf motifs. Supporting the high-choir at the entrance of the church are four salomonic columns that are signatures of the mannerist art movement which had a significant influence on European architecture particularly in church design prior to the baroque period. The central dome measures 12.5 metres in diameter and rises 19 metres above the ground. It is decorated with three rows of sixteen clerestories; those on the top row are fixed and the others in the lower two rows serve as ventilators.

In contrast with the elaborate architecture of St. Joseph’s Church, the Seminary is a simple, neo-classical compound designed with an internal cloister garden. Constructed primarily of grey brick, the solid walls stand on granite foundations. The arrangement inside the building is typically organized with wide corridors running as much as 80 metres long with classrooms off them. (Information Sourced from Cultural China)

The Saint Joseph’s Church is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

More from Other Websites: Asia Explorers

Saint Anthony Church (Santo António) @ Macau

“UNESCO World Heritage Site”

Cathedral of Macau (Sé Cathedral) @ Macau

“UNESCO World Heritage Site”

Saint Dominic’s (São Domingos) @ Macau

“UNESCO World Heritage Site”

This was the first Church we visited during our Macau Trip (Oct 12-15,2011). This Church is located in Senado Square.

Saint Thomas of Villanueva Parish Church/ Parokya ni Santo Tomad de Villanueva/ Church of Miagao (Miagao, Iloilo)

This Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

About the Church: In 1734, The Church was built. In 1741 – The Church was looted and burned by Moro Raiders. In 1744-1750 – The second Church was built by Fr. Camporredendo. In 1754 – The Church was burned by pirates. In 1786 – The Church was built on a Hill with a view of the Miagao River. In 1797 – The Church was completed. 1898 – Damaged by Fire during the Revolution. In January 5,1948 the Church Damaged by an Earthquake and immediately restored by Monsignor Wenceslao Enojo. In 1959-1962 – Restored again by Monsignor Leonardo Javillo and the NHI under Esteban Ocampo. February 16,1963 – A Historical Marker was placed on the Church by the National Historical Commission. August 1,1973 – Declared a National Historical Landmark. 1994 – Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Architectural Style: Baroque

My Visit to the Church of Miagao: When we boarded the Jeepney to Miagao in Guimbal the sky was cloudy and looked like it was going to rain. While inside the Jeep on the way to Miagao, there was a sudden downpour. The rain was so hard that i thought that it might be raining in Miagao also. But when we got near the Church the rain stopped! My visit was not in vain and i was able to see the Church of Miagao in all its magnificent splendor. The Church is truly a gem. Worthy of the highest accolades. 

Other Sites to Visit: Explore Iloilo, Agraphia

 

Other Blog Sites to Visit: Valerie Caulin, I Heart Manila, Nomadic Experiences, The Pinay Solo Backpacker, Lakwatsero, Andre Salvador, En Route, The Roomy Life, Travel Blog, Pinoy Adventurista, Visita Iglesia (A Must Read!), Lakbay Philippines, Bisayang Manlalakbay, Lantaw, Iloilo On Foot

News about the Church: Miagao Church is an Architectural Treasure of Iloilo by Anna Valmero

How to get to Miagao: To get to Miagao. You can hire a Taxi from the Airport or Van. If you want a Cheaper way to get there, ride the Multi Cabs found at the Right side upon exiting the Airport. Fare is P10.00 until the Sta Barbara Terminal. Then ride a Jeepney or Bus going to Iloilo City. From Iloilo City take a Jeepney with signs going to Miagao or San Joaquin. Or take a Bus going to San Jose de Buenavista and go down Miagao.

The Church of Miagao:

The Church of Miagao, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Other Pictures of the Church:

The Church of Miagao, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Saint Augustine Church @ Paoay, Ilocos Norte

This Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Paoay+Church,+Paoay,+Ilocos,+Philippines&aq=2&sll=18.055029,120.569136&sspn=0.010201,0.018883&ie=UTF8&hq=Paoay+Church,+Paoay,+Ilocos,+Philippines&hnear=Paoay+Church+Bell+Tower,+Marcos+Ave,+Paoay,+Ilocos+Norte,+Ilocos,+Philippines&t=h&cid=18071716646577745202&ll=18.074552,120.526371&spn=0.028558,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed

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San Agustin Church / Saint Augustine Church / Simbahan ni San Agustin (Intramuros, Manila)

The Church of SanAgustin:

San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Church previous color was stripped and in place a more natural color, color of concrete was used (2013)

 

About the Church: In 1571, Bamboo and Nipa Church was built. December 1574, Church was destroyed by fire during the attempted invasion of Manila by Limahong. February 1583, Second Church made of wood was razed by fire. Construction of a new church began in 1586. Church was declared complete on January 19,1607. The Church was looted by the British in 1762. In 1854 the Church was renovated under the supervision of Architect Luciano Oliver. On August 18,1898 the church was the site where Spanish Governor-General Fermin Jaudenes prepared  the terms for the surrender of Manila to the United States of America following the Spanish-American War.

Other Important Facts About the Church: The Church is National Cultural Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the Mother Church of the Augustinian Order. The Present Church built between 1587-1604 was built by Juan Macias. The Vaulted grisalle and trompe-l’oeil was painted by Italian Artists Cesare Alberoni and Giovanni Dibella in 1875. 

My Thoughts on the Church: I have been to San Agustin Church 4-5 times but it was only today (May 11, 2012) that i was able to see the Church in its entirety. The Experience was just Incredible. The Interior of the Church was just Amazing. The collection of the Museum exquisite. I felt like i was in Heaven with all the Antique Santos available for viewing.

Entry to the Museum is P100, picture is taking is allowed but turn off the Flash. Some rooms do not allow Picture Taking so make sure to read the sign outside the room before clicking away.

For a More Detailed History: San Agustin Church Wikipedia Entry (Includes an Old Photo of the Church wherein it still has 2 Bellfrys), Heritage Conservation Society

The Official Website of the Church: San Agustin Church

Other Blog Entries: Polymu Photography, Don Trivino

Travel Guide Entries On the Church: Manila Portal, Trip Advisor, Wow Philippines

Article(s) About the Church: The San Agustin Church in Intramuros (Sun Star)

Architectural Style: Baroque

Location of the Church: The Church is located Inside the Walled City of Intramuros of Manila.

Famous People Buried Inside the Church: Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Martin de Goiti, Juan Salcedo, Juan Luna, Pedro Paterno, Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Antonio de Ayala, Trinidad Ayala Zobel, Jacobo Zobel, Carmen Ayala Roxas. 

Old Pictures of the Church:

San Agustin Church (After 1880 Earthquake) – from Wikipedia.Org

 

San Agustin Church – from Philippine-Evolution.Com

Other Pictures of the Church: 

San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Monica Lopez Vda de Ripoll

The Church previous color was stripped and in place a more natural color, color of concrete was used (2013)