Bohol's Baclayon Church

Our second destination for the day is the second oldest church in the Philippines, and oldest church in Bohol: Baclayon church.

How to go there

Jeff and I took a rent-a-van to tour Bohol’s tourist spots.

What to see

According to Kuya Lito (Our tour guide/driver) Baclayon was supposedly the oldest church in the Philippines but San Agustin won that title after some historians disagreed with that claim. The claim is, the first Spanish settlers in the country was in Bohol therefore the first church was probably in Bohol, but I dont know, they’re both old that’s the only thing real at the moment, hehe.

From outside, Baclayon church isn’t all that impressive, it looks pretty boring actually, until you get to see the interiors of the church.

With just the sunlight lighting the interiors of Baclayon during the day, the church emits beautiful colors of red, yellow and blue with the help of the church’s stained glass windows. The main altar is enhanced with a warm color of yellow to emphasize it from the background.

Main Altar

A painting of the last supper and some angels can also be found at the ceilings of the main altar, along with the words ‘Ave Maria’. The church’s patron saint is Immaculate Concepcion, whose fiesta occurs every December 8th.

Baclayon Ceilings

There is also a reading area at the sides of the church, which is an indication that the church is antique, and  was built by the Spaniards.

Baclayon reading area

Jeff and I had fun taking pictures inside the church, there were so many subjects to take interest in, like the side altars (below) lighted up by the stained glass windows.

side altars, taken by jeff

Tips and Traps

• There is a donation box inside the church.
• Best to go there during the day.

Fees and Fares of this tour

• Van rental : P2k (inclusive of seven tourist spots)

More pictures

(click the picture to view the album)