Paoay Church Bell Tower (Paoay)

Philippines / Ilocos / Paoay / Paoay, Ilocos Norte 2902
 belfry, UNESCO World Heritage Site, 18th century construction

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeHd3GAqRm4

A three-storey coral stone bell tower stands a few meters away from the church. The bell tower served as an observation post in 1896 for the Katipuneros during the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards, and again by the Filipino guerillas during the Japanese occupation in World War II.

Its bell tower, which is detached from its main building, is made of coral stone. It stands a safe distance away to spare the sanctuary in case of collapse.

According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. The bell would ring more loudly and more times during the wedding of a prominent clan that it would during the wedding of the poor.

Portions of the church was damaged during the earthquakes in 1865 and 1885. During an excavation inside the church in 2000, a prehistoric human skeleton and fragmented ceramics were discovered and are now in display at the National Museum. Former president Ferdinand Marcos declared Paoay Church as a national treasure and is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage

Visit this website for more information:
en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Paoay_Church
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Coordinates:   18°3'43"N   120°31'16"E

Comments

  • I added those pics.=)
  • Add the closeup pic. of bell tower and church facade, showing its beauty and mighty structure.
This article was last modified 5 years ago