Sinking Bell Tower — Attraction in Ilocos Norte

Laoag City is also famous for its "Sinking Bell Tower", which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year. It has survived several minor earthquakes since its construction, causing scholars to label it an Earthquake Baroque style structure. The tower, built presumably after the 1707 earthquake, has a foundation of 90 metres (300 ft). It is made of locally manufactured bricks joined by molasses and juice of sablot leaves mixed with lime and sand, and reinforced with four massive columns on each corner and a winding stairway leading to the belfry. It used to have a large clock on the tower's western face.

The bell tower was presumably built after the 1707 earthquake. It has withstood several minor earthquakes since completion, thus earning membership to the "Earthquake Baroque" style label by architecture scholars, along with several churches across the Philippines and Guatemala. It was locally constructed by Ilocano artisans who used bricks joined by molasses and leaves from a local plant named sablot. With a foundation of 90 meters and a height of 45 meters, it was a solid structure that towered over Ilocanos...

The Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag City is a truly unique historical gem that captivated me during my visit! 👍😍 It's absolutely fascinating to witness a structure that has literally been sinking for centuries due to its sandy foundation. 🧐🤔 You can truly grasp how much it has leaned over time, and it's a testament to the intriguing stories and resilience of old Filipino architecture. 🧱🇵🇭 The brickwork is quite beautiful, and despite its age and pronounced lean, it stands impressively tall! 🧱👏 A must-see for history buffs and unique landmark seekers! 💯✅ Quick stop, fantastic photo ops! 📸✨ Highly recommend adding it to your Ilocos itinerary! 👍🙏 A piece of Philippine history making its mark...literally! 🕰️🇵🇭 #Philippines #Ilocos #Travel #History #Landmark #Architecture #Tower...

The Sinking Bell Tower is a relic from the past, constructed during the Spanish Colonial Era (1700s) which has towered over the area for centuries. Thanks to its "Earthquake Baroque" architecture it has withstood so many earthquakes though it is purportedly sinking in an average of 1 inch a year.

Unlike other churches in the Philippines, its church is located several meters away - the St. William Cathedral. It is closer to a local hypermarket than its actual church.

Rumor has it that people saw riders on horseback passing through the gate of the tower. If you check closer, the gate inside the tower is so small you have to arch yourself to get in - that is of course, you can get in. To save the heritage structure, one can't simply get in...