I have visited the church of San Joaquin and usually for Holy Week’s Visita Iglesia. More than a hour from the city of Iloilo, the town of San Joaquin is also a great escape for those who want to go on a road trip. And with a better camera, a freelance writer like me won’t miss writing about this historical church even with the threat of a heat stroke 🙂
The whole church is quite similar to that of Miag-ao Church as it also uses limestone and coral stones as its main materials. Intricate carvings of different figures and oriental designs like flowers adorn this unassuming church in southern Iloilo.
When visiting the parish church of San Joaquin, take note of its unique facade and it’s facade is in fact its main attraction. Contrary to most baroque churches wherein facades would show saints and other religious themes, San Joaquin Church depicts a military scene – the Battle of Tetuan. This battle is part of the Spanish-Moroccan War and during the church’s construction, the news of the Spanish victory came to the parish priest’s knowledge. Speaking of union of church and state.
Unfortunately, my husband/photographer failed to take a close shot to its facade ( we’ll go back there..:-) ), this is the closer look that I can give you. Here are also some links to famous bloggers with great shots of this facade. click here!
Considered as a National Treasure, I hope that the local government and other organizations can give more credit and attention to this unique colonial church. I feel pity to this church as its glory is obviously overshadowed by the fortress church of Miag-ao which is also the town before San Joaquin.
By featuring this church as a freelance writer, in my own little way I know I help in promoting this church. You can reach to town of San Joaquin from Iloilo City by taking a jeepney or a bus bound to Antique. Like most churches in the country, it is located in the town’s center and just a stone away from the plaza or town square.
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