Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish Church, commonly known as the Tanay Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Tanay, Rizal in the Philippines. The construction of the present church was begun in 1773 and was completed after ten years in 1783.
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San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish - Tanay, Rizal (Diocese of Antipolo)
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Amazing that this oldest of Tanay churches is still standing! But before entering the church, the huge sculpture of Mama Mary and San Ildefonso of Toledo greets parishioners as they enter the gate. The sculpture was made by several local craftsmen as a way to preserve the giant 100-year old acacia tree that was dying of disease. This sculpture is echoed by at least 14 other ones inside the church that represent the stations of the cross - one of the most beautiful depictions of major events in the Bible. These are encased in glass and should live a long long time for future generations to marvel at. The church looks its age although I think it has been remodeled or restored several times. It's in baroque style and has a beautiful retablo. Some of the stonework might still be original, or at least very very old. There are also wonderful sculptures of saints mounted on walls, as well as a richly adorned santo entierro. The side pulpit has a life-sized figure of a smiling Pope Francis looking over the entire church (probably made out of corrugated paper or very thin wood) - a nice reminder of the Pope's last visit to the Philippines. A large courtyard opens out at the side of the church, with the statue of Mama Mary dominating the square. Other wonderful details of the church must be experienced to be...
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San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish Church – Tanay, Rizal (Diocese of Antipolo)
One of the best churches in both exterior and interior. Although the exteriors have undergone some reconstruction, the interior has remained beautifully intact throughout history. The sculpture in the altar is stunning—rich in detail and devotion. The Stations of the Cross along the walls are particularly eye-catching, with intricate carvings that feel alive with emotion and story.
You’ll also notice a number of religious paintings throughout the church, adding depth and color to the sacred atmosphere. When you go near the altar, look up and you’ll be greeted by the beautiful fresco-style ceiling art—especially the octagonal dome surrounded by painted medallions of saints and biblical figures.
A charming and unexpected touch? Look closely at those ceiling medallion paintings—yes, those are actual bats quietly hanging there! They’re not part of the artwork but real, tiny residents of the church. It’s an amusing and oddly heartwarming reminder that this is a living, breathing piece of history—still connected to nature and time, even as it preserves centuries of devotion.
Parking Insight: Easily accessible for both cars and motorcycles,...
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This church is so beautiful in every way. As soon as you enter the main gate, you will notice the older building construction aura and the discoloration of the material that envelope the whole church, which to me signifies a really old church. In the middle of the church yard is a remains of an old humungous tree, about 15 to 25 feet tall which is being carved by hand into something that seemed really authentic and artistic, (the work has just started during our visit). Upon entering the main door of the church, you will notice the raised wooden portion on the door which was the indication of the older churches built in the 1600..I am no expert on this, I just learned this from my travels all over the Philippines and especially in Mexico. We did not have time to chat with the priest who celebrated the mass. Over all, the experience was perfect...
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