San Joaquin Church: A Cultural Gem of the Philippines
The militaristic motif of the San Joaquin Church distinguishes itself from other churches in the Country. Carved on a disproportionately large pediment on the church’s facade is an intricate sculptural relief depicting the Spanish victory over Moroccan forces in the Battle of Tetuan.
The low relief mural captures the drama of victory where cavalry and infantry are tearing down Moorish defense. So intricate is the sculpture that even the expression of agony by wounded soldiers is visible. The title of the composition “Rendición de Tetuan” is carved at the base of this animated relief.
The unique features of the San Joaquin Church has received the admiration of its onlookers including the National Historical Institute, which has listed the church as a National Cultural Treasure. The declaration was made in support of the state policy to preserve and protect important cultural properties and safeguard their intrinsic value.
The San Joaquin Church, built in 1869, is made of limestones quarried from the mountains of Igbaras and gleaming white coral stones abundant in the shores of San Joaquin. The facade is decorated with rosettes and divided vertically by engaged columns. A plaque above the arched portal displays the Augustinian seal flanked by cherubs. The three altars are also of carved limestone, and were originally painted in bright colors. The San Joaquin Church is flanked by a three story bell tower to its right and ruins of its old convent to its left. Among the sprawling ruins of the convent are an oval well and a kiln for baking bread.
The church magnificently stands on a plain overlooking the sea and is located beside San Joaquin’s town plaza. To learn how to get to San Joaquin, Click Here.
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Filed Under:
- Category: General
- Tags: Baroque, History, Iloilo Churches, National Cultural Treasure, religious, Sculpture, Tetuan
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taga san joaquin guid takun!!
replySorry about that, I still havent finished the site. You can get to San Joaquin by riding a San Joaquin Jeepney infront of Molo Supermart (located near the Molo District Plaza). Just tell the driver that your destination is the San Joaquin Church and Cemetery so that he can give you directions.
Also, you might want to know that since San Joaquin is the last town of Iloilo in the south it will pass by other southern towns such as Oton, Guimbal, Tigbauan, and Miagao so you’ll be able to see the churches in those towns as well.
replyhi! nice blog you have here. i wanted to know how exactly can i get to san joaquin coming from Iloilo City by PUJ/bus. I can’t find the information on your site even with the link supplied. i’m in an early stage planning a return trip there (official) with sidetrips to miag-ao then san joaquin (church and cemetery)
thanks
replyMy Grand Farther Alway Talked about the town of illo
replyThe church is beutiful
I am the grandson Of the Late Jose Rosadio.
ipabugal ko guid ang san joaquin church ky dira ako nabata….. na best and one of the oldest church in iloilo…. irinimaw taton regya sa san joaquin…
replyive been to this church today and i simply am dumbfounded of its architecture. i like its baptistry specially and the depiction of the tetuan war. awesome. i am coming back!!!
replyka nami gid man san picture sang facade sang simbahan kag very historical. Ang sulod nya, as seen in the pictures exhibitted is somewhat modern. Nice pictures.
replyone of the grandest not just in the visayas but in the whole country!
a must-see for every visitor who comes to Iloilo. get inside this church and see the baptistry showcasing the baptism of Jesus by St. John, and look at the stained glass windows at the side of the altar.
One more thing, go up the belfry and you can see the entire San Joaquin poblacion (town proper), the southern mountains and the southern coast of Panay overlooking Panay Gulf. Up the belfry are the huge old church bells with Spanish inscriptions…
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