Jaro Belfry: Imposing Structure in the City

I think it is not a secret anymore why I fell in love with Iloilo. From its old grand houses to heritage churches, Iloilo continues to amaze me with its landmarks that are well preserved to remind us that indeed it was the “Queen City of the South.

Calling Jaro ( one of the districts of the city) home for almost half decade now, one of the structures that I can’t afford not to admire is the Jaro Belfry. Locally known as campanario, a Spanish word for “bell tower” ( Hiligaynon has plenty of Spanish words), it one of the few of its kind in the country that is separated from the main church. The other one that I have seen in the sinking belltower in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

Jaro’s belfry is massive, grand and visually exquisite even for the less artistic eyes. It is hard not to literally look up whenever you pass by. It is one of the oldest structures in the city built in the 18th century, serving not just to house the adjacent church’s bell to “call” residents for Massjumping castles for sale sydney, it was also used as a watchtower and a clock ( like Big Ben?).

Through the centuries, it experienced massive damages mostly earthquakes like in 1787, 1881 and 1948. In terms of style, I read that is is Neoclassical but I take the word of an architect I know that put it under the umbrella of “mestizo” architecture. As he explained, it is a mixture of different architectural styles which I think is very possible since Jaro belfry underwent different renovations.

Made mostly of terracotta and limestone, this 3-storey tower stands 29 meters. It faces the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and stands just outside Jaro Plaza.

To get here, you can take jeepneys bound for Jaro or take a taxi going to the “cathedral”.