This was the last stop over of our van day tour in Bohol. We visited two historic old churches, the Baclayon Church and the Dauis Church.
This is the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church or the Baclayon Church. They say it is the second oldest in Bohol which was built since 1596. Sadly it was also one of the churches that was heavily damaged from the 2013 earthquake. It is actually still under renovation when we went there and nobody is allowed to get inside. They have built a small canopy beside the church where they can still hold masses as usual.
Just right beside the church is their museum which was also an old building. We were able to get inside the museum but unfortunately taking pictures are prohibited inside because as our driver had said it started when they have been robbed with some precious antiques.
The museum still has the original wooden floors and structures. And the items inside the museum were fascinating and so abundant with history! There were very old plates and chalices that some were even made of gold, beautifully hand woven sotanas (the garment worn by priests when holding a mass), over sized music books of church hymns and songs that were meticulously handwritten, paintings of saints and Jesus, also some figurines of saints. There were still a lot of antiques inside that I could no longer remember.
I was still in awe when we left the museum. We also had a little stroll and picture taking in their garden.
When we are about to get back to the van, I noticed a crack on the church's wall and when I looked closer I was even more amazed!
Is that a coral?! So this old structure is made out of coral stones! So I instantly took a picture as an evidence of what I had just seen. When we got inside the van I immediately told my husband about what I've seen and the driver second demotioned. He said that most of the old churches here were made out of either coral stones or shells and they were cemented using egg whites. Well, that was interesting!
Now our next stop was the The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption or the Dauis Church. Unlike the Baclayon Church, this church got lucky and was not heavily damaged by the earthquake.
This was posted in the church's door so tourists can read the history of the church and it was also made out of coral stones! As soon as we got inside an old lady told me to wear any of the long skirts that were placed at a table inside since wearing shorts are not allowed.
The interior was stunning with beautiful paintings of biblical scenes at the ceiling.
We went at the back outside of the church and there was also an old building that was their convent. Ahead was their beautiful boulevard by the sea. There were many people strolling and kids were biking. It was a very picturesque scene.
Visiting those churches gave us a brief background of the history in Bohol. I also admired how they preserved these old treasures so people from generations to come will never forget the past that molded this place. Bohol is indeed a great place to visit not just for their beautiful beaches and attractions but also for their rich history.