Santa Monica Parish Church (Sarrat Church) — Attraction in Ilocos Norte

Santa Monica Parish Church's 137-meter long rectangular nave, the longest in the country according to the Cultural C enter of the Philippines' Encyclopedia of the Philippine Art, served as the setting for Irene Marcos' grand march to meet Gregorio Araneta during the 1983" WEDDING of the CENTURY". Celebrated as the Largest Church in Ilocos Norte, the church was built in 1779, taking a whole decade to finish, Buttress- walled and with red bricks sculpted in Earthquakes Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, the church has unique system of wooden roof trusses numbering to around 480 logs of hardwood molave, 75% of which dates back to the 18th century. However, on August 17, 1983 an earthquake of Intensity 7.6 ravage Ilocos Norte and destroyed the altar damage the façade and toppled down the belfry. It was gradually reconstructed through time though the original design of the façade has never been restored. With its rich heritage and intricate details of architecture, coupled with the other sets of criteria mandated by the National Museum Act of 1998, the STA. MONICA CHURCH Complex was added and declared as an Important Cultural Property of the PHILIPPINES by the virtue of the powers vested in it by Republic Act 4846, as amended by Presidential Decree 374 & Republic Act 8492. Done in the city of Manila in September 27, 2009.

Sarrat...

There's a long list of churches that a pilgrim can visit in Ilocos during the annual Visita Iglesia. I used Google to find 7 of the oldest and the most historically significant (ones) in the region.

I'm no architect, not a historian either. But it is easy to notice the breathtaking beauty of the old Santa Monica church of Sarrat.

I guess that's what makes Visita Iglesia fun and solemn. Pilgrims get to learn history and marvel at the beauty of old churches like this one. It allows one to connect with the past and experience the faith of the people who used to pray here. The same faith that helped preserve this monument of Catholicism, of Christianity in the area and in the country, as a whole. It's a living assurance that, just as the people who used to pray here preserved and safeguarded this structure because this is where their prayers were answered, my own prayers and devotion will also merit God's grace, mercy and love by praying at...

Another Augustinian church which has a long path from door to the altar. Built in 1779 with red brick of an earthquake baroque style. This church holds a complex around it with other sites to see within the area, Though lacking other features like a choir loft, it still is a magnificent structure. Amazing to see this church and its doors opened at noontime. Place this on your bucket list if your in...