(SPOT.ph) Considering our country's long history with the Roman Catholic Church during the Spanish period, it shouldn't be a surprise that a number of old churches can be found in many of our provinces. A large concentration of these are in the Visayas, particularly in Cebu, where Christianity was first introduced way back in 1521. Whether you're looking for divine guidance through a spiritual pilgrimage or are in awe of the architecture and stories behind Spanish-era churches, these structures are always worth a visit.
Also read: 10 Heritage Churches for a Pilgrimage Across the Visayas
Check out these heritage churches the next time you're in Cebu:
Basilica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebu
Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, Cebu
Commonly known as Santo Niño Basilica, the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu was founded in 1565, the same day that the image of the Holy Child was found in a partially burned hut. It is said to be the same image that was president by Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon in 1521. The Santo Niño Basilica is believed to be the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, and is designated by the Vatican as the "Mother and Head of all Churches in the Philippines."
Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Carcar, Cebu
Also known as St. Catherine's Church or the Carcar Church is famous for its unique double belfries with a distinct four-cornered dome. Historians say that this style is reminiscent of Austrian Baroque, which is connected to the Spanish through the Habsburg Hispanic Monarchs.
Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel
Argao, Cebu
Commonly known as the Argao Church, the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel is a stone church that was constructed in 1734 and completed in 1788. It is made from coral stone, which is common among structures that are near the sea.
San Guillermo de Aquitana Church
Dalaguete, Cebu
Also made from coral stones and facing the sea, the San Guillermo de Aquitana Church in Dalaguete has a three-bodied bell tower that has been converted into a baptistry. It is recognized as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute.
Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church
Boljoon, Cebu
Commonly known as Boljoon Church, the Our Lady of Patronage of Mary Parish Church has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It is also for consideration to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Philippines through its inclusion in the list of Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It was established in 1783 and is known for its terracotta roof tiles.
St. Gregory the Great Parish
Ginatilan, Cebu
Constructed in 1829, St. Gregory the Great Parish Church in Ginatilan takes pride in its Cebuano son, 17-year-old missionary Saint Pedro Calungsod. It is said to have been built even before Ginatilan was established as a town.
Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Ana
Barili, Cebu
The Sta. Ana Church of Barili is dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. While the parish was founded in 1614, construction of the present church started only in 1889. It features coral stone foundations, which were maintained even renovations in 1974.