Miagao Church

Miagao Church is a baroque structure made of sandstone with two unequal bell towers and an elaborate facade covered in detailed bas-relief carvings. The building sits on the highest point of Miagao town and dominates the skyline with its substantial stone walls.

The church was built between 1787 and 1797 and served as a fortress against pirate raids. It experienced damage from fires and warfare but underwent multiple reconstructions to restore it.

The facade combines Spanish, Chinese, Muslim, and Filipino artistic traditions in a single composition. These influences appear in the carvings of Saint Christopher and the local plants that decorate the stone surfaces.

The church sits on the highest point of town and is easily accessible by bus or jeepney from Iloilo City's Mohon Terminal. Wear comfortable shoes since the location is on a hilltop and involves some walking uphill.

The foundation extends deep underground and was built by mixing sandstone, coral, and limestone with egg whites as a binding agent. This unusual construction technique made the base unusually resistant to cracking and shifting.

Location: Miagao

Inception: 1797

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Made from material: sandstone

Part of: Baroque Churches of the Philippines

GPS coordinates: 10.64191,122.23549

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:17