Bantay Church - Ilocos Sur

Located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the church was built in the 1590s. Bantay Church also is known as St. Augustine Parish Church is considered one of the oldest in Ilocos Sur. The church was named after St. Augustine the patron saint of the Augustinian Friars.

Bantay Church

Bantay Church details

Looking closely at detail one's curious eye can see that the facade's structural design is visibly neo-classical combined with pseudo-romanesque elements. However, when you enter the edifice you would notice that the interior had been renovated and modern-day metal frames and posts are used to support its aluminum roof.
Bantay Church and its beautiful belfry

Bantay Church brick facade

Bantay Church historical marker

Bantay Church belltower

Bantay Church Interior

My beautiful wife at the tower

What makes this church unique is the picturesque belfry located on the hilltop several meters away. The famous belfry of Bantay Church had been used by the Spanish, Filipino, Americans, and even the Japanese as a watchtower to look out for enemy troop movements and camps. 
We had some photoshoot inside the bell tower

...Inside the belfry

Team Nicerio visits Bantay Church and its belltower

Bantay Church painting
The Backpack Adventures - Bantay Church

 Time and again the church and its belfry stood silent as it watched the country change hands and eventually become free. Just like the name of the place which it stood in, Bantay, (which means guard or watcher) the church and its tower would forever be gazing at the changing face of this country.

Bantay Church Admission Fee

It's FREE to enter the church and its grounds.

Bantay Church Mass Schedule

Sunday: 6AM-7AM/ 7:30AM-8:30AM / 9AM -10AM / 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Mon - Fri: 6AM -7AM
Saturday: 7AM - 8AM / 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Why visit Bantay Church?

Bantay Church might not be in Vigan City but it's just a few minutes away from the city center so it's frequently added to itineraries for Vigan City. In my opinion, Bantay Church is a must-visit for those who love history and architecture. Its beautiful belfry is a must-see as well. So regardless if you're Catholic or not, you might want to see this picturesque church.

Getting to Bantay Church:


  • From Manila/Cubao, ride a bus bound to Vigan City or Laoag City.
  • Tell the conductor to drop you off at Vigan City. 
  • Take a tricycle going to the church. Tricycle: P10 -15
  • There are also buses that ply the Manila North Road going to Laoag City if you are riding one then just ask the conductor to board you down in front of the church. Bus fare from Manila to Vigan City costs around 750 - 1000 pesos depending on the type of bus you ride.
Ratings:
Pilgrims
Cleanliness
Overall ratings
Location: Bantay, Philippines

Comments

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  5. AnonymousJuly 24, 2023 at 2:05 PM

    Update sir, sarado pa po ang Bantay Church after madamage ng lindol.

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    1. Neil Alvin NicerioAugust 2, 2023 at 2:50 PM

      So I heard. Thank you sa pagupdate sa akin. Sana maayos na agad ang bell tower at ang simbahan. Parehong memorable sa akin ang mga lugar na yan.

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