The Saint Augustine Church, simply known as the Paoay Church, in the province of Ilocos Norte, is a Roman Catholic church whose construction was completed in 1710. The church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by enormous buttresses on the side and back of the building. It was declared a national cultural treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Collective Group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
The most striking feature of the Paoay Church is its 24 enormous buttresses about 1.70 meters thick on the sides and back of the church building. They were designed to reinforce the structure of the building in case of earthquakes. Its stair-like buttresses on the sides allow easy access to the roof.
Its walls are made of large coral stones in the lower part and bricks on the upper levels. The mortar used in the church includes sand and lime, all mixed with sugar cane juice, boiled with mango leaves, leather, and rice straw. These walls suggest Javanese architectural styles.
The stone facade appears as a massive pediment rising from the ground, leaning forward. Square pilasters and string cornices divide the facade vertically and horizontally. Gothic features are also present with the use of finials while the triangular pediment shows Chinese elements and oriental features. Battlements, niches, roses, windows, and the Augustinian coat of arms can also be seen. The facade is made of brick on the lower level and coral stones on the upper level.
Adjacent to the facade, the three-story coral bell tower, built separately from the church building on the right side, resembles a pagoda. The cornerstone of the bell tower was laid in 1793. It stands at a distance from the church as a safeguard against earthquakes. It served as an observation post for Filipino revolutionaries against the Spanish in 1989 and by Filipino guerillas against Japanese soldiers during World War II.
According to historians, the bell tower also serves as a status symbol for the inhabitants. It is said that the bell rang louder and more frequently during the wedding of a prominent clan than it did at the wedding of a more humble couple.
Started in 1704 and completed 90 years later, its unique architecture blends Gothic, Chinese, and even Japanese influences. Jeepneys run between Laoag and Paoay via Batad.
If you are visiting Vigan, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Paoay.