Want a taste of Europe without the hassle and cost of
travelling to another continent? You might be pleasantly surprised to know that
a very attractive alternative is accessible to you right here in Southeast
Asia. The Philippines is a gorgeous underrated holiday destination, chock full
of European influences and western charm – left behind by the Spanish Colonial
Era (1521 – 1898). For those seeking a little more cultural enlightening past
the beaches of Boracay, we recommend a historical tour of the Philippines’
best-kept Spanish heritage sites. After all, how can anyone complain about a
history lesson when you’re on holiday?
Vigan City, Ilocos
Sur
First up on anyone’s list of Spanish scenic sites should
only be Vigan City. This capital city of the province Ilocos Sur is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site – and with good reason. It’s one of the last remaining
Hispanic towns in the country with its structures still intact. In the 18th
and 19th centuries, Vigan was the center of Spanish colonial power;
today, the town is a living testament to the Spanish Colonial Era, exerting
strong cultural influence to the modern Philippine nation.
Paved with cobblestone streets and unique Spanish colonial
architecture, Vigan City exudes old-world colonial charm, inviting you to take
a step back in time. The town plaza, Plaza Salcedo, is a good place to start if
you’re up for a walking tour. But to truly
experience Vigan at its finest, ride a calesa
(horse-drawn buggy) down the picturesque Calle Crisologo – open streets lined
with authentic Spanish Era ancestral houses, and Vigan City’s crowning glory.
San Agustin Church,
Manila
Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros,
Manila, the San Agustin Church is one of four proud members under the Baroque
Churches of the Philippines – a collection of the most treasured Spanish-era
churches in the country, that served as the political backbone of Spanish
colonial rule.
The original San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, was
the very first religious structure constructed by the Spaniards on the island
of Luzon. Today, it is the third church to be erected, but the present edifice
is still nothing short of magnificent, having been patterned after the medieval
Augustinian temples of Mexico.
Known for its interior, the Church promises an enchanting
experience, complete with traces of the original Mexican wall painting, and
choir seats carved with ivory inlays of the 17th Century. Intramuros
may have lost its shine as the nerve center of the country during the 350-year
Spanish rule, but the grandeur of Spain lingers in its ruins, and certainly in
the San Agustin.
Taal, Batangas
The heritage town of Taal is famous for two things – its old
ancestral houses, and being home to the largest church in the Philippines and
Asia. Enter the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, which stands at a massive 88.6
metres long and 48 metres wide.
Around town you can find historic and grand ancestral homes,
some of which have been converted to museums open to the public. Head over to
the Villa Tortuga for a slice of upper class life during the Spanish regime –
the dinner package includes dress-up time where you can don period dresses and
have it immortalized in a souvenir photo. A tourist trap? Maybe, but Taal was declared a National Historical
Landmark for a reason.
Santa Maria Church,
Ilocos Sur
Ilocos Sur isn’t just known for Vigan City. This Philippine
province is also where the Santa Maria Church, or the Nuestra Señora dela Asunción, can be found. Curiously enough, the
Santa Maria Church isn’t built following the traditional Spanish urban town
plan of situating a church in the heart of the town plaza. Instead, it stands
alone majestically on the crown of a freestanding hill enclosed completely by a
high stone wall – a true fortress!
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and part of the Baroque
Churches of the Philippines, the Santa Maria was built on top of a hill as a
religious center by both the friars of the citadel and the soldiers of Spain.
Made entirely of brick, it makes for quite a sight, especially with the
sweeping stone stairways connecting it to the town, and to a cemetery. The
outer walls are built with buttresses of typical Earthquake Baroque
architecture, which is probably why it still stands today in its original form.
Malolos City, Bulacan
Hailed as the Premiere Heritage City of Bulacan, Malalos
City shines with historic importance, having been the center for many vital
events that took place during the transition from the 19th to the 20th
century – such as the establishment of the Constitutional Convention.
Take a scenic stroll around the many ancestral houses from
the Spanish and American Colonial Eras, or wander through the numerous Spanish
colonial churches and chapels scattered around. Malolos is one of the few towns
in Philippines with three Spanish-era churches: the Barasoain Church, Malolos
Cathedral, and Sta. Isabel. In August 2001, the historic little town of Malolos
was declared a National Heritage Landmark.
The Barasoain Church is a Roman Catholic Church built in
1630, and is home to many prestigious titles. It housed the first Philippine
Republic, as well as the Constitutional Convention – carving for itself a name
of incredible historical importance amongst Filipinos and tourists alike.
Doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Miagao Church (Sto.
Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church), Iloilo
Last on the list doesn’t make this any less of a ‘must-see’!
Looking at the grand Baroque architectural style of the Miagao Church, you’d be
forgiven for thinking you’re suddenly in Europe. Don’t be fooled though, the
church façade is a mixed influence of Medieval Spanish, Chinese, and Muslim
elements, embellished with Filipino folk motifs, making it a stunning fusion of
cultures.
Also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church,
the Miagao Church is the third member of the Baroque Churches of the
Philippines – and with good reason. This mighty fortress has withstood
typhoons, earthquakes, and even rebellious arson during the revolution against
Spain in 1898, and the Philippine-American War.
The distinct yellow-orange sandstone is reminiscent of old
western gothic cathedrals, and the Miagao Church is a shining example of a
traditional Spanish Baroque fortress. And standing on the highest point of the
town, it’s a guarantee that you’ll be glad you made the trip.
