Baclayon Church — Attraction in Bohol

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is one of the best preserved Jesuit build churches in the region, although in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church. The first Spanish missionaries or doctrineros in the region, Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez, first settled in Baclayon in 1595. Shortly after their arrival, a visita was erected on the spot. Although Baclayon was the first seat of the Spanish Jesuit missionaries, fear of Moro marauders soon forced them to move their headquarters more inland, to Loboc. Only in 1717, Baclayon became a parish, and construction of a new church commenced. Some 200 native forced laborers constructed the church from coral stones, which they took from the sea, cut into square blocks, and piled on to each other. They used bamboo to move and lift the stones in position, and used the white of a million eggs as to cement them together. The current building was completed in 1727. The church obtained a large bell in 1835. In the Baclayon church is a dungeon, which was used to punish natives who violated the rules of the Roman Catholic church. October 15, 2013 Bohol was jolted by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake which is equivalent to "32 Hiroshima Bomb according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS.) Unfortunately some of the prime tourist destinations in Bohol collapsed and one of which is the 400 year old...

Overview: Baclayon Church, nestled in the heart of Bohol, is a captivating blend of Spanish colonial architecture and Filipino influences. Steeped in history, this stone church has weathered natural disasters and stands as a testament to the resilience of faith and culture.Architectural Marvel: Built using coral stone, Baclayon Church exudes simple elegance. Its facade showcases a harmonious fusion of Spanish and Filipino elements. The church’s interior boasts ornate altars and stained glass windows, inviting visitors to marvel at its beauty. Surviving Adversity: Despite the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Bohol in 2013, Baclayon Church remains a symbol of endurance. While the front suffered damage, the spirit of this historical landmark perseveres. Exploration Options: Guided Tours: Join a historical tour to delve deeper into Baclayon’s past. Countryside Day Tour: Combine your visit with other Bohol attractions. Loboc River Cruise: Enjoy lunch by the scenic river after exploring the church. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking inspiration, Baclayon Church...

The Baclayon Church is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture and a must-see destination for any traveler to Bohol.

The facade of the church is made of coral stone and limestone blocks that have been carefully carved and assembled into a beautiful, symmetric design.

The entrance is framed by a stunning doorway with intricate carvings and a majestic bell tower. Inside, the church is adorned with stunning Filipino art, adorning the walls, the ceiling, and the altar.

Visitors to the church will find a serene atmosphere and a place to reflect on the beauty of faith and nature. There is a small gift shop at the entrance, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Visitors are asked to observe respectful behavior and remember that the church is a holy place.

Overall, the Baclayon Church is an impressive and historic destination, and a must-see for anyone visiting Bohol. It's a great place to spend an afternoon in peaceful, spiritual contemplation and appreciation of the beauty of Christian...