one of the must-sees churches in the Philippines! i'm so glad that i've made this solo trip to virac, catanduanes... seeing bato church was one of the highlights of the trip. till next time!
Made of mortar and coral stone, this edifice is a fine example of
mid-colonization Filipino-Spanish architecture. It was built under the
polo system of forced labor for a total of 53 years, started in 1830 and
finished in 1883. Bato Church has withstood wars, calamities and the
ravages of time to become the only remaining structure of its genre in
the entire island and the second-largest church in Bicol region. In
its tower still houses the legendary bell that once served as a warning
device for incoming Japanese guerrillas during the Second World War.
Seen from the other side of the river the old church looks majestic and
imposing. Proudly the church stands as the oldest in the province.
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