Our trip to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur was memorable. Aside from visiting the old Spanish village in Vigan, the sand dunes in Paoay, the famous beaches of Pagudpud and some museums in the towns of Batac and Sarrat, we also hopped from one church to another.
My eyes were delighted with the architectural concepts of each church we set foot in and the history it tells to every tourist. Indeed, Ilocos is so blessed to have these interesting structures that will surely enrich one’s knowledge of history, if not religion.
So without further ado, here are the churches we visited in Ilocos regions.
1) Saint William Cathedral or Laoag Cathedral in Ilocos Norte was built in 1612 by Agustinian friars. 
Inside the Laog Cathedral, the golden altar features the image of St. William the Hermit, the patron saint of Laoag City. 
The famous Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City located just a few meters away the Laoag Cathedral.
2) Shrine of Our Lady of Charity Saint Augustine Parish Church, Bantay, Ilocos Sur.It was built in 1590 with Father Montoya Osa as the parish priest. 
Just when you enter inside the church, you can find four standees with log books where you can write your wishes and prayers. 
Bantay Bell Tower is situated near St Agustine Parish com
3) Immaculate Conception Parish in Batac, Ilocos Norte was a 1692 reconstruction after the original building was destroyed in 1690.
The original was built in Romanesque-style. You can see the beautiful image of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception at the altar.
4) Saint Andrew Parish in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte was first erected at the end of 16th century but was destroyed by earthquakes in 1700. The current structure was built in the mid-1900 by Fr. Juan Martin.
Bacarra bell tower at night.
5) Sta Monica Parish Church in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte was built in 1779. Former President Ferdinand Marcos was born in this town.
The largest church in Ilocos region with simple altar simple. Its walls are made of bricks the aisle is 137 meters long. This church stands near the Pacsan River.
6) Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral in Vigan, Ilocos Sur possesses a Baroque style of architecture was completed in 1800. The original chapel was built in 1574.
Vigan Cathedral boasts its original interior walls
7) Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte was founded by Agustinian Missionaries in 1593. The Church was damaged by earthquakes in 1706 and 1927. The Katipuneros used the tower as an observation post during the revolution and also by the Guerilleros during the Japanese occupation. 
On the left part inside the Paoay Church stands the pulpit where priest preach.
These churches stand as witnesses on how the Spaniards have strongly shaped Filipino culture and religion. They are signs that signified how strong Catholicism is in the Philippines.
Such a wonderful place to visit. The churches looks amazing!
These churches are amazing. Thank you for sharing a brief history of each church.
I have Ilocano blood running in my veins and I thank you for featuring some of the magnificent churches my province has to offer visitors. Been there to those places and you should have visit my hometown church in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.
I have been to four (4) of these churches and my favorite is Paoay! I still can’t get over the fact that it is made of coral stones. 🙂
My mom was originated from Ilocos Norte and seeing the pics really encourage me to visit!
Seeing all the churches that you visited in Ilocos, I am reminded of one of my trips in Bohol. Churches, especially the old ones are really part of our culture and there is just awesome beauty in them. I would love to see Laoag Cathedral. Hopefully, I get to go to Ilocos soon.
The churches are so beautiful! Do you go to different places to take photos of the infrastructure? I believe you will know the different stories behind churches~
I heard that churches in Ilocos are super amazing in designs and the structural build. The beauty lies behind the natives who built these churches.
I think I have to visit them all! Haha! Ever since I started studying architecture, I noticed every little thing! 🙂
One of the things I want to do before I die is visit as much of the world I can. When I see posts like these it makes me realize just how much I need to see. Love your pics. They are absolutey stunning.
churches of the north are just gorgeous… i love seeing them standing tall and magestic.
Beautiful churches and the feel they give you is so pure and calm. Love to see them one day.
I have been to these churches and they are a sight to behold! sana mapreserve ng matagal na panahon pa 🙂
I have never been to Ilocos before, I don’t think I know anyone who lives there on a personal level. Great shots though, very picturesque. You really showcased the beauty of the structures. 🙂
I was able to visit the churches in Ilocos Sur but not yet in Ilocos Norte. They really have old and beautiful churches there.
I have yet to visit ilocos and soon enough she’s going to be my next destination! Hmmm, these churches may be part of the IT when I schedule my tour there. Hopefully I could pay a visit to these places.
Oh, I have been to Ilocos before but I have only been to two churches in your list- the one in Paoay and Bantay. This only means I have other churches I am looking forward to visit.
Very beautiful churches these are. Amazing too, how well kept some are, considering some of their long history!
My friends and I are going for a 4 day ilocos laoag trip too, soo I’m definitely noting all the chruches here, especially the bacarra bell tower
I love the churches, old and new. The structures are really beautiful and meaningful. It was nice “visiting” Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur through your pictures 😀
The churches look gorgeous and I have never heard of any of them. Look forward to visiting at least one of them some day 🙂
I’ll take note of your post so that I can visit these churches when I am in Ilocos. I usually visit churches on my trips to say a little prayer and give thanks. #soulsearching 🙂
The Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag City is so ancient and special. I like this one the most thou its not huge or popular.
I haven’t been to Ilocos yet, but it’s very interesting to see the different churches they have in the province. Different architectures, facades and interiors, with different histories behind each one of them… I’d love to visit them all one day. 🙂 I just wish they’d be preserved for the future generations to see.
We missed some of these churches in our last trip to the North. Thanks for sharing them here. Beautiful churches each with its own story to tell.
OMG! Those were wonderful church. I like to get wed on those type of church. I bet it might be expensive. 🙁
Paoay church looks beautiful inside! All that white and gold. It must be perfect for weddings.
Philippines really has tons of churches to visit, i guess that’s why we never fail to practice visita iglesia every holy week.
Nice post! Gone historical tour with your blog.. Love it!
We went to Ilocos 3yrs ago ata. And I fell in love with the Paoay Church. Such a gorgeous beauty. 🙂 And we went there around sunset time and it really does sparkle!!
I’ve been to Ilocos parang three church lang napasyalan ko, it’s super nice mga church that you posted. Once we visit again this December will check this one, I will bookmark this
I really admire great architectural structures and design of our Philippine churches and cathedrals. These only mean that we have talented Filipino workers, …hardworker and creative.
Wow! This is indeed an informative write-up! I will bookmark this should I need to write about Weddings in Ilocos! Ilocos is rich in culture, based on what I have read and heard from friends who already went there. Need to save up and travel in Ilocos soon!