4 Churches to Explore in Bohol

The Church of Immaculada Concepcion in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest in the Philippines. Construction began in 1717 where some 200 native forced laborers cut and dragged coral blocks from the sea, using only bamboos in moving and lifting the stones in position. The church is now one of the great pilgrimage centers in the Philippines.

The Church of San Pedro in Loboc, Bohol is the second oldest church in Bohol. It was originally built in 1602, but soon reduced to ashes. In 1638, a stronger one was build. Located near the river, it has survived a number of floods. Inside the church, you can admire some remarkable naive paintings on the ceiling. it is now one of the great pilgrimage attraction in this area.

The Sta. Monica Parish Church in Alburquerque town was founded in 1869 after being separated from Baclayon town. Reports dating as far as 1886 indicate that the church was first built of light materials. The imposing structure is famous for its sturdy arches supporting a pathway that connected the church to the convent, which is described as “de grandes dimensiones”. What makes the church special is that the altar was carved manually by a local and the intricate design makes it one of a kind.

The parish of Tagbilaran is one of the first 6 parishes founded by the Jesuit missionaries who came to Bohol in 1595. Saint Joseph the Worker, a favorite among the Jesuits, was enthroned as the patron saint by Rev. Fr. Joaquin de San Jose in 1767, a year before the Jesuits were expelled from the country.