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{{Short description|Roman Catholic church in Ilocos Norte, Philippines}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=March 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox church
{{Infobox church
| name = Paoay Church
| name = Paoay Church
| fullname = San Agustin Church of Paoay <br /><small> ''Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay'' </small>
| fullname = {{ubl|San Agustin Church of Paoay|{{native name|es|Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay}}}}
| image = [[File:Paoay Chruch, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines - panoramio (1).jpg|260px]]
| image = Paoay Church grass view pre-sunset (Marcos Avenue, Paoay, Ilocos Norte; 11-15-2022).jpg
| caption = The [[façade]] and [[bell tower]] of Paoay Church
| caption = The church in 2022
| pushpin map =South Korea
| pushpin map = <!-- Luzon#Philippines -->
| pushpin label position = right
| pushpin label position = <!-- right -->
| map caption = Location within the Philippines
| map caption =
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|18|3|41.5|N|120|31|17.5|E|region:PH_type:landmark|display=inline,title|format=dms}}

⚫
| osgraw =
⚫
| coordinates ={{coord|18|3|41.5|N|120|31|17.5|E|region:PH_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| osgraw =
| osgridref =
| osgridref =
| location = [[Paoay]], [[Ilocos Norte]]
| location = [[Paoay]], [[Ilocos Norte]]
| country = Philippines
| country = [[Philippines]]
| denomination = [[Roman Catholic]]
| denomination = [[Roman Catholic]]
| website =
| website =
| former name =
| former name =
| bull date =
| bull date =
| founded date = 1686
| founded date = 1686
| founder = Padre Antonio Estavillo
⚫
| dedication = [[Augustine of Hippo|Saint Augustine of Hippo]]
| founder = Padre Antonio Estavillo
| dedicated date =
⚫
| dedication = [[Augustine of Hippo|Saint Augustine]] of [[Hippo Regius|Hippo]]
| dedicated date =
| consecrated date =
| consecrated date =
| cult =
| cult =
| relics =
| relics =
| events =
| events =
| past bishop =
| past bishop =
| people =
| people =
| status = [[Parish church]]
⚫
| functional status = Active
| status = [[Parish church]]
⚫
| heritage designation = [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]], [[World Heritage Site]]
⚫
| functional status = Active
| designated date = 1973, 1993
⚫
| heritage designation = [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]], [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]
| designated date = 1973, 1993
| architect = Padre Antonio Estavillo
| architectural type = [[Church building]]
| architect = Padre Antonio Estavillo
| architectural type = [[Church building]]
| style = [[Earthquake Baroque]]
| groundbreaking = 1694
| style = [[Earthquake Baroque]]
| groundbreaking = 1694
| completed date = 1710
| construction cost =
| completed date = 1710
| construction cost =
| closed date =
| closed date =
| demolished date =
| demolished date =
| capacity =
| capacity =
| length = {{convert|110|m|ft}}
| length = {{convert|110|m|ft}}
| width = {{convert|40|m|ft}}
| width = {{convert|40|m|ft}}
| width nave =
| width nave =
| height =
| height =
| diameter =
| other dimensions =
⚫
| diameter =
| other dimensions =
| floor count =
| floor count =
| floor area =
| floor area =
| dome quantity =
| dome quantity = None
| dome height outer =
| dome height outer =
| dome height inner =
| dome height inner =
| dome dia outer =
| dome dia outer =
| dome dia inner =
| dome dia inner =
| spire quantity = 15
| spire quantity = 15
| spire height =
| spire height =
| tower quantity = 1
| tower quantity = 1
| materials = Coral stone and bricks
| materials = Coral stone and bricks
| parish =
| parish =
| province = [[Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia|Nueva Segovia]]
| archdiocese = [[Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia|Nueva Segovia]]
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag|Laoag]]
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag|Laoag]]
| bishop = <!-- cathedrals only -->
| archbishop = [[Marlo Mendoza Peralta]]
| rector =
| bishop = Renato P. Mayugba
| vicar =
| rector =
| curate =
| vicar =
| priestincharge =
| curate =
| priest =
| priestincharge =
| asstpriest =
| priest =
| embedded = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
⚫
| asstpriest =
| embedded = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
| child = yes
| child = yes
| official_name = Church of San Agustin (Paoay)
| official_name = Church of San Agustin (Paoay)
| part_of = [[Renaissance Churches of the Philippines]]
| part_of = [[Baroque Churches of the Philippines]]
| criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(ii)(iv)}}(ii)(iv)
| criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(ii)(iv)}}(ii)(iv)
| ID = 677bis-003
| ID = 677bis-003
| year = 1993
| year = 1993
| extension = 2013
| extension = 2013
}}
{{designation list | embed= yes
⚫
| designation2 = PNHL
| designation2_offname = Church of Paoay
| designation2_type = National Historical Landmark<br>Buildings/Structures
| designation2_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1980|5|2}}
| designation2_number = [https://philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph/registry_database/church-of-paoay/ No. 260, s. 1973]
}}
}}
}}
}}

⚫
{{Portal|Philippines|Catholicism|Architecture}}
The '''Saint Augustine Church''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: ''Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay''), commonly known as the '''Paoay Church''', is a [[Roman Catholic]] [[church building|church]] in the [[Municipalities of the Philippines|Municipality]] of [[Paoay]], [[Ilocos Norte]] in the [[Philippines]]. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous [[buttress]]es on the sides and back of the building. It is declared as a [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|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 '''Saint Augustine Church''' ({{lang-es|Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay}}), commonly known as the '''Paoay Church''', is a [[Roman Catholic]] [[church building|church]] in the [[Municipalities of the Philippines|municipality]] of [[Paoay]], [[Ilocos Norte]] in the [[Philippines]]. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous [[buttress]]es on the sides and back of the building. It is declared as a [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|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.


==History==
==History==
The earliest historical record of the area dates back to 1593, becoming an independent [[Augustinians|Augustinian]] [[parish]] in 1686.<ref name="Heritage">[http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/paoay-church/ "Paoay Church"]. Heritage Conservation Society. Retrieved on 2011-07-09.</ref> Building of the present church was started in 1694 by [[Augustinians|Augustinian]] [[friar]] Father Antonio Estavillo, completed in 1710 and rededicated in 1896.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url = http://www.mb.com.ph/retrofitting-of-paoay-church-sought/|title = Retrofitting of Paoay church sought|date = June 28, 2014|access-date = September 19, 2014|publisher = Manila Bulletin|last = Lazaro|first = Freddie}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url = http://www2.hawaii.edu/~gaspar/paoay.html|title = Earthquake Baroque: Paoay Church in the Ilocos|date = 1996|access-date = September 19, 2014|last = Gaspar|first = Roger|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081102025646/http://www2.hawaii.edu/~gaspar/paoay.html |archive-date = November 2, 2008}}</ref> Some portions of the church was damaged in the 1865 and 1885 [[earthquake]]s but was later restored under the initiative of former First Lady [[Imelda Marcos]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url = http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2011/04/20/historic-churches-ilocos-norte-151552|title = Historic churches of Ilocos Norte|date = April 20, 2011|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = Sun.Star|last = Bagaforo|first = Nelson|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141014185314/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2011/04/20/historic-churches-ilocos-norte-151552|archive-date = October 14, 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref>
The earliest historical record of the area dates back to 1593, becoming an independent [[Augustinians|Augustinian]] [[parish]] in 1686.<ref name="Heritage">{{cite web|title=Heritage Conservation Society. "Paoay Church" |url=http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/paoay-church/ |date=July 27, 2006 |access-date=July 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911154540/https://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/paoay-church/ |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Building of the present church was started in 1694 by [[Augustinians|Augustinian]] [[friar]] Father Antonio Estavillo, completed in 1710 and rededicated in 1896.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url = http://www.mb.com.ph/retrofitting-of-paoay-church-sought/|title=Retrofitting of Paoay church sought |date=June 28, 2014 |access-date = September 19, 2014 |publisher=Manila Bulletin |last=Lazaro |first=Freddie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018111811/http://www.mb.com.ph/retrofitting-of-paoay-church-sought/ |archive-date=October 18, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url = http://www2.hawaii.edu/~gaspar/paoay.html|title = Earthquake Baroque: Paoay Church in the Ilocos|date = 1996|access-date = September 19, 2014|last = Gaspar|first = Roger|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081102025646/http://www2.hawaii.edu/~gaspar/paoay.html |archive-date = November 2, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some portions of the church was damaged in the 1865 and 1885 [[earthquake]]s but was later restored under the initiative of former First Lady [[Imelda Marcos]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url = http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2011/04/20/historic-churches-ilocos-norte-151552|title = Historic churches of Ilocos Norte|date = April 20, 2011|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = Sun.Star|last = Bagaforo|first = Nelson|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141014185314/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2011/04/20/historic-churches-ilocos-norte-151552|archive-date = October 14, 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref>

=== Restorations ===
⚫
Several projects for the restoration of Paoay Church were sought by government and non-government organizations due to possible question on its structural integrity. The local government of Ilocos Norte through resolution is seeking the reconstruction of the church's convent presently in ruins and retrofitting of the church.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.philstar.com/good-news/2014/06/23/1337812/restoration-paoay-church-pushed|title = Restoration of Paoay church pushed|date = June 23, 2014|access-date = September 19, 2014|publisher = The Philippine Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625031119/https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/the-good-news/2014/06/23/1337812/restoration-paoay-church-pushed |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

⚫
Restoration of the church's buttresses, walls, tower, and interior was announced in 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adriano |first=Leilanie |date=December 11, 2018 |title=NHCP to restore historic Paoay Church, Bacarra Tower in Ilocos |language=en |work=Philippine News Agency |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056330 |access-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806123903/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056330 |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Conservation of the church's exteriors was begun by the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] in the second quarter of 2019 and completed in June 2020. Work focused on the historic stone masonry walls and buttresses. Vegetation was removed from the exteriors to prevent stone erosion and lime grout loss. Major structural repair was done on the stairway of the bell tower. The entire roof system was also rehabilitated.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Magcamit|first=Yann|date=June 22, 2020|title=This UNESCO heritage site just got restored, and now you can visit it via video|url=https://nolisoli.ph/82292/paoay-church-exterior-restoration-bn-ymagcamit-20200622/|website=Nolisoli|language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615184402/https://nolisoli.ph/82292/paoay-church-exterior-restoration-bn-ymagcamit-20200622/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The restored structure was turned over to the Laoag diocese in November 2020, and was reopened on November 15 of that year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tabios |first=Hanah |date=November 19, 2020 |title=NHCP delivers restored heritage icons to Ilocos Norte |work=Manila Bulletin |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/19/nhcp-delivers-restored-heritage-icons-to-ilocos-norte/ |access-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202004022/https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/19/nhcp-delivers-restored-heritage-icons-to-ilocos-norte/ |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Architecture==
==Architecture==
Paoay church is the Philippines' primary example of a [[Spanish Colonial architecture|Spanish colonial]] [[Earthquake Baroque|earthquake baroque]] [[church architecture|architecture]] dubbed by Alicia Coseteng,<ref name=":2" /> an interpretation of the European [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] adapted to the seismic condition of the country through the use of enormous [[buttress]]es on the sides and back of the building.<ref name=":1" /> The adaptive reuse of baroque style against earthquake is developed since many destructive [[earthquakes]] destroyed earlier churches in the country. [[Javanese culture|Javanese]] architecture reminiscent of [[Borobudur]] of [[Java]] can also be seen on the church walls and [[facade]].<ref name=":1" />
Paoay church is the Philippines' primary example of a [[Spanish Colonial architecture|Spanish colonial]] [[Earthquake Baroque|earthquake baroque]] [[church architecture|architecture]] dubbed by Alicia Coseteng,<ref name=":2" /> an interpretation of the European [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] adapted to the seismic condition of the country through the use of enormous [[buttress]]es on the sides and back of the building.<ref name=":1" /> The adaptive reuse of baroque style against earthquake is developed since many destructive [[earthquakes]] destroyed earlier churches in the country. [[Javanese culture|Javanese]] architecture reminiscent of [[Borobudur]] of [[Java]] can also be seen on the church walls and [[façade]].<ref name=":1" />


=== Buttresses ===
=== Buttresses ===
The most striking feature of Paoay Church is the 24 huge [[buttress]]es<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url = https://ph.news.yahoo.com/the-oldest-churches-in-the-philippines-021459898.html?page=all|title = Touring the oldest churches in the Philippines|date = May 15, 2013|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = Yahoo News Philippines|last = Aquino|first = Mike}}</ref> of about {{Convert|1.67|m|ft}}<ref name=":3" /> thick at the sides and back of the church building. Extending from the exterior walls, it was conceived to a solution to possible destruction of the building due to earthquakes. Its stair-like buttresses (known as ''step buttresses'') at the sides of the church is possibly for easy access of the roof.<ref name=":2" />
The most striking feature of Paoay Church is the 24 huge [[buttress]]es<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url = https://ph.news.yahoo.com/the-oldest-churches-in-the-philippines-021459898.html?page=all|title = Touring the oldest churches in the Philippines|date = May 15, 2013|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = Yahoo News Philippines|last = Aquino|first = Mike |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108064108/https://ph.news.yahoo.com/the-oldest-churches-in-the-philippines-021459898.html?page=all |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> of about {{Convert|1.67|m|ft}}<ref name=":3" /> thick at the sides and back of the church building. Extending from the exterior walls, it was conceived to a solution to possible destruction of the building due to earthquakes. Its stair-like buttresses (known as ''step buttresses'') at the sides of the church is possibly for easy access of the roof.<ref name=":2" />


=== Walls ===
=== Walls ===
Its walls are made of large [[coral]] stones on the lower part and bricks at the upper levels.<ref name=":2" /> The [[Mortar (masonry)|mortar]] used in the church includes [[sand]] and [[Lime (material)|lime]] with [[sugarcane]] juice boiled with [[mango]] leaves, [[leather]] and [[Oryza sativa|rice]] straw.<ref name=":2" /> Its walls suggests [[Javanese culture|Javanese]] architectural styles.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.digitaljournal.com/blog/3098|access-date= November 21, 2018 |publisher= digitaljournal.com }}</ref>
Its walls are made of large [[coral]] stones on the lower part and bricks at the upper levels.<ref name=":2" /> The [[Mortar (masonry)|mortar]] used in the church includes [[sand]] and [[Lime (material)|lime]] with [[sugarcane]] juice boiled with [[mango]] leaves, [[leather]] and [[Oryza sativa|rice]] straw.<ref name=":2" /> Its walls suggests [[Javanese culture|Javanese]] architectural styles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Paoay Church: Ilocos Norte, Philippines |url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/blog/3098 |access-date=November 21, 2018 |publisher=digitaljournal.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121161746/http://www.digitaljournal.com/blog/3098 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Facade ===
=== Façade ===
The stone [[facade]] appear as massive [[pediment]] rising from the ground and is built leaning towards the front. Square [[pilaster]]s and stringed [[cornice]]s divide the facade vertically and horizontally respectively. Its bottom part is plain. Gothic features are also present through the use of [[finial]]s while the triangular pediment shows Chinese elements and Oriental strokes.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url = http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?igm=2&i=199|title = 16th to 19th Century Church Architecture in the Philippines|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = National Commission for Culture and the Arts|last = Villalon|first = Augusto|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150428064222/http://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?igm=2&i=199|archive-date = April 28, 2015}}</ref> [[Crenellations]], [[niche (architecture)|niches]], [[Rosette (design)|rosette]]s and the Augustinian coat of arms can also be seen.<ref name=":2" /> Facade is made of [[brick]] on the lower level and [[coral]] stones on the upper level.<ref name=":0" />
The stone façade appear as massive [[pediment]] rising from the ground and is built leaning towards the front. Square [[pilaster]]s and stringed [[cornice]]s divide the façade vertically and horizontally respectively. Its bottom part is plain. Gothic features are also present through the use of [[finial]]s while the triangular pediment shows Chinese elements and Oriental strokes.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url = http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?igm=2&i=199|title = 16th to 19th Century Church Architecture in the Philippines|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = National Commission for Culture and the Arts|last = Villalon|first = Augusto|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150428064222/http://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?igm=2&i=199|archive-date = April 28, 2015}}</ref> [[Crenellations]], [[niche (architecture)|niches]], [[Rosette (design)|rosette]]s and the Augustinian coat of arms can also be seen.<ref name=":2" /> The façade is made of [[brick]] on the lower level and [[coral]] stones on the upper level.<ref name=":0" />


=== Bell Tower ===
=== Bell tower ===
Adjacent to the facade is a three-storey coral [[bell tower]] constructed separately from the church building on the right side resembling a [[pagoda]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /> It was in 1793 when the cornerstone of the bell tower was laid.<ref name=":3" /> It stands at some distance from the church as a protection against earthquake.<ref name=":0" /> It served as observational post for [[Katipunero|Filipino revolutionaries]] against the Spaniards in 1898 and by Filipino [[guerrilla]]s against Japanese soldiers during [[World War II]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://balita.ph/2011/03/16/paoay-church-in-ilocos-to-get-facelift/|title = Paoay church in Ilocos to get facelift|date = March 16, 2011|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = Balita.ph}}</ref> According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. It is said that 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/St-Augustine-Church-in-Paoay |access-date= October 15, 2018 |publisher= vigattintourism.com }}</ref>
Adjacent to the façade is a three-storey coral [[bell tower]] constructed separately from the church building on the right side resembling a [[pagoda]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /> It was in 1793 when the cornerstone of the bell tower was laid.<ref name=":3" /> It stands at some distance from the church as a protection against earthquake.<ref name=":0" /> It served as observational post for [[Katipunero|Filipino revolutionaries]] against the Spaniards in 1898 and by Filipino [[guerrilla]]s against Japanese soldiers during [[World War II]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://balita.ph/2011/03/16/paoay-church-in-ilocos-to-get-facelift/|title = Paoay church in Ilocos to get facelift|date = March 16, 2011|access-date = September 20, 2014|publisher = Balita.ph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101181817/http://balita.ph/2011/03/16/paoay-church-in-ilocos-to-get-facelift/ |archive-date=January 1, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. It is said that 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St. Augustine Church in Paoay|url= https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/St-Augustine-Church-in-Paoay |access-date= October 15, 2018 |publisher= vigattintourism.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015114532/https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/St-Augustine-Church-in-Paoay |archive-date=October 15, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Restorations ==
==Gallery==
<gallery class="center" widths="175px">
⚫
Several projects for the restoration of Paoay Church were sought by government and non-government organizations due to possible question on its structural integrity. The local government of Ilocos Norte through resolution is seeking the reconstruction of the church's convent presently in ruins and retrofitting of the church.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.philstar.com/good-news/2014/06/23/1337812/restoration-paoay-church-pushed|title = Restoration of Paoay church pushed|date = June 23, 2014|access-date = September 19, 2014|publisher = The Philippine Star}}</ref>
File:Paoay Church and Bell Tower.jpg|Main façade and bell tower

File:San Agustin Church Side Details, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.jpg|[[Buttress]]es
⚫
Conservation of the church's exteriors was begun by NHCP in the second quarter of 2019 and completed on June 2020. Work focused on the historic stone masonry walls and buttresses. Vegetation was removed from the exteriors to prevent stone erosion and lime grout loss. Major structural repair was done on the stairway of the bell tower. The entire roof system was also rehabilitated. Repairs on the interiors are still ongoing and expected to be completed by end of 2020. <ref>{{Cite web|last=Magcamit|first=Yann|date=June 22, 2020|title=This UNESCO heritage site just got restored, and now you can visit it via video|url=https://nolisoli.ph/82292/paoay-church-exterior-restoration-bn-ymagcamit-20200622/|website=Nolisoli|language=en-US}}</ref>
File:Paoay Church interior with visible roof trusses.jpg|The interior in 2012, pre-restoration
File:San Agustin Church Interior, Paoay, Ilocos Norte 5.jpg|The interior in 2021, post-restoration
</gallery>


== Declarations ==
== Declarations ==
[[File:Historical Marker at the Church of Paoay.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Church [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines|PHC]] historical marker]]


By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260, Paoay Church was declared as a [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]] by the Philippine government in 1973.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1973/pd_260_1973.html|title = Presidential Decree No. 260 August 1, 1973|access-date = September 5, 2014|website = The Lawphil Project|publisher=Arellano Law Foundation}}</ref> The church was designated as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] together with [[San Agustin Church (Manila)|San Agustin Church]] in [[Manila]]; [[Santa Maria Church|Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church]] in [[Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur|Santa Maria]], [[Ilocos Sur]]; and [[Miagao Church|Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church]] in [[Miagao]], [[Iloilo]] on December 11, 1993.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677|title = Baroque Churches of the Philippines|access-date = June 25, 2014|publisher =UNESCO World Heritage Site }}</ref>
By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260, Paoay Church was declared as a [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]] by the Philippine government in 1973.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1973/pd_260_1973.html|title = Presidential Decree No. 260 August 1, 1973|access-date = September 5, 2014|website = The Lawphil Project|publisher=Arellano Law Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621065714/https://lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1973/pd_260_1973.html |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The church was designated as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] together with [[San Agustin Church (Manila)|San Agustin Church]] in [[Manila]]; [[Santa Maria Church|Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church]] in [[Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur|Santa Maria]], [[Ilocos Sur]]; and [[Miagao Church|Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church]] in [[Miagao]], [[Iloilo]] on December 11, 1993.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677|title = Baroque Churches of the Philippines|access-date = June 25, 2014|publisher =UNESCO World Heritage Site |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901044235/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677 |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
The church was featured in a scene in the 1993 romance film ''[[Saan Ka Man Naroroon (film)|Saan Ka Man Naroroon]]'', which was shot in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
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{{Portal|Philippines|Catholicism|Architecture}}

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* {{Commons category-inline}}
[http://www.unofficialguide.ph/paoay-church-via-jeepney/ Getting to Paoay from Laoag via Jeepney]

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{{Commons category|Paoay Church|position=left}}


{{World Heritage Sites in the Philippines}}
{{World Heritage Sites in the Philippines}}
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[[Category:1710 establishments in the Spanish Empire]]
[[Category:1710 establishments in the Spanish Empire]]
[[Category:18th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in the Philippines]]
[[Category:18th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Churches in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag]]

Revision as of 08:34, 20 November 2023

Paoay Church
  • San Agustin Church of Paoay
  • Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay (Spanish)
The church in 2022
Map
18°3′41.5″N 120°31′17.5″E / 18.061528°N 120.521528°E / 18.061528; 120.521528
StandortPaoay, Ilocos Norte
LandPhilippinen
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
StatusParish church
Gegründet1686
Founder(s)Padre Antonio Estavillo
DedicationSaint Augustine of Hippo
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Heritage designationNational Cultural Treasure, World Heritage Site
Designated1973, 1993
Architect(s)Padre Antonio Estavillo
Architectural typeChurch building
StyleEarthquake Baroque
Groundbreaking1694
Completed1710
Specifications
Length110 metres (360 ft)
Width40 metres (130 ft)
Number of towers1
Number of spires15
MaterialsCoral stone and bricks
Administration
ProvinceNueva Segovia
DioceseLaoag
Official nameChurch of San Agustin (Paoay)
Part ofBaroque Churches of the Philippines
CriteriaCultural: (ii)(iv)
Reference677bis-003
Inscription1993 (17th Session)
Extensions2013
National Historical Landmarks
Official nameChurch of Paoay
TypNational Historical Landmark
Buildings/Structures
Designated2 May 1980; 44 years ago (1980-05-02)
Reference no.No. 260, s. 1973

The Saint Augustine Church (Spanish: Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay), commonly known as the Paoay Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building. It is declared as 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.

History

The earliest historical record of the area dates back to 1593, becoming an independent Augustinian parish in 1686.[1] Building of the present church was started in 1694 by Augustinian friar Father Antonio Estavillo, completed in 1710 and rededicated in 1896.[2][3] Some portions of the church was damaged in the 1865 and 1885 earthquakes but was later restored under the initiative of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.[4]

Restorations

Several projects for the restoration of Paoay Church were sought by government and non-government organizations due to possible question on its structural integrity. The local government of Ilocos Norte through resolution is seeking the reconstruction of the church's convent presently in ruins and retrofitting of the church.[2][5]

Restoration of the church's buttresses, walls, tower, and interior was announced in 2018.[6] Conservation of the church's exteriors was begun by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in the second quarter of 2019 and completed in June 2020. Work focused on the historic stone masonry walls and buttresses. Vegetation was removed from the exteriors to prevent stone erosion and lime grout loss. Major structural repair was done on the stairway of the bell tower. The entire roof system was also rehabilitated.[7]

The restored structure was turned over to the Laoag diocese in November 2020, and was reopened on November 15 of that year.[8]

Architecture

Paoay church is the Philippines' primary example of a Spanish colonial earthquake baroque architecture dubbed by Alicia Coseteng,[3] an interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country through the use of enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.[2] The adaptive reuse of baroque style against earthquake is developed since many destructive earthquakes destroyed earlier churches in the country. Javanese architecture reminiscent of Borobudur of Java can also be seen on the church walls and façade.[2]

Buttresses

The most striking feature of Paoay Church is the 24 huge buttresses[9] of about 1.67 metres (5.5 ft)[4] thick at the sides and back of the church building. Extending from the exterior walls, it was conceived to a solution to possible destruction of the building due to earthquakes. Its stair-like buttresses (known as step buttresses) at the sides of the church is possibly for easy access of the roof.[3]

Walls

Its walls are made of large coral stones on the lower part and bricks at the upper levels.[3] The mortar used in the church includes sand and lime with sugarcane juice boiled with mango leaves, leather and rice straw.[3] Its walls suggests Javanese architectural styles.[10]

Façade

The stone façade appear as massive pediment rising from the ground and is built leaning towards the front. Square pilasters and stringed cornices divide the façade vertically and horizontally respectively. Its bottom part is plain. Gothic features are also present through the use of finials while the triangular pediment shows Chinese elements and Oriental strokes.[9][11] Crenellations, niches, rosettes and the Augustinian coat of arms can also be seen.[3] The façade is made of brick on the lower level and coral stones on the upper level.[12]

Bell tower

Adjacent to the façade is a three-storey coral bell tower constructed separately from the church building on the right side resembling a pagoda.[3][11] It was in 1793 when the cornerstone of the bell tower was laid.[4] It stands at some distance from the church as a protection against earthquake.[12] It served as observational post for Filipino revolutionaries against the Spaniards in 1898 and by Filipino guerrillas against Japanese soldiers during World War II.[9][13] According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. It is said that 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.[14]

  • Main façade and bell tower
    Main façade and bell tower
  • Buttresses
    Buttresses
  • The interior in 2012, pre-restoration
    The interior in 2012, pre-restoration
  • The interior in 2021, post-restoration
    The interior in 2021, post-restoration

Declarations

Church PHC historical marker

By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260, Paoay Church was declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973.[15] The church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with San Agustin Church in Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church in Miagao, Iloilo on December 11, 1993.[12]

The church was featured in a scene in the 1993 romance film Saan Ka Man Naroroon, which was shot in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Heritage Conservation Society. "Paoay Church"". July 27, 2006. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d Lazaro, Freddie (June 28, 2014). "Retrofitting of Paoay church sought". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Gaspar, Roger (1996). "Earthquake Baroque: Paoay Church in the Ilocos". Archived from the original on November 2, 2008. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Bagaforo, Nelson (April 20, 2011). "Historic churches of Ilocos Norte". Sun.Star. Archived from the original on October 14, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  5. ^ "Restoration of Paoay church pushed". The Philippine Star. June 23, 2014. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  6. ^ Adriano, Leilanie (December 11, 2018). "NHCP to restore historic Paoay Church, Bacarra Tower in Ilocos". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on August 6, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  7. ^ Magcamit, Yann (June 22, 2020). "This UNESCO heritage site just got restored, and now you can visit it via video". Nolisoli. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022.
  8. ^ Tabios, Hanah (November 19, 2020). "NHCP delivers restored heritage icons to Ilocos Norte". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  9. ^ a b c Aquino, Mike (May 15, 2013). "Touring the oldest churches in the Philippines". Yahoo News Philippines. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  10. ^ "The Paoay Church: Ilocos Norte, Philippines". digitaljournal.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  11. ^ a b Villalon, Augusto. "16th to 19th Century Church Architecture in the Philippines". National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Archived from the original on April 28, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  12. ^ a b c "Baroque Churches of the Philippines". UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  13. ^ "Paoay church in Ilocos to get facelift". Balita.ph. March 16, 2011. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  14. ^ "St. Augustine Church in Paoay". vigattintourism.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  15. ^ "Presidential Decree No. 260 August 1, 1973". The Lawphil Project. Arellano Law Foundation. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
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