Ilocos Norte became our choice for the family trip because we heard a lot about its rich history, apart from its beautiful white sandy beaches and dunes, among other things.
Our first stop was the town of Paoay. After checking in, we headed out to explore. From the Lake, we drove to the San Agustin Church, also known as Church of Paoay (or Paoay Church), which we learned was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the country's government in 1973. It was recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO twenty years later (1993). It is one of the four Baroque churches in the Philippines recognized as such.
The church was said to be completed in 1710 and has become famous for its unique architecture. The most striking features are the huge buttresses on the sides and back of the building, which we immediately noticed as we took the side entrance coming from the parking area.
Accordingly, the buttresses (5.5 ft thick) were conceived as a solution to the possible destruction of the building due to earthquakes.
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The church's stone facade is quite stunning, too. We did notice some restorations made in both structures (the bell tower and the church).
Zooming in to check the bell tower a little closer. Some vegetation is growing up there on the walls!
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Anyhow, we got caught up with playing outside and taking pictures of the LilGuy that the church already closed before we had the chance to see the inside.
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The rays of the setting sun reflected on the tower and the church's facades they seemed to shine.
We took a few more photographs before we walked to the shops for some souvenirs and the famous Chicharon!
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It was already dark when we left the place for the guesthouse. It was a time well spent, 'coz we had the chance to appreciate and learn more about the 17th-century church, have fun in its grounds, and enjoy the beauty around.
