Description of the attraction
Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino, built in the first half of the 19th century from baked bricks, is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines. It is also known as the Kabatuan Church as it is located in this small town in the province of Iloilo. In addition, this huge neoclassical structure is the only surviving church with three facades. Its twin bell towers, topped with cream-colored domes, are also famous throughout the country.
The construction of the church was supervised by the parish priest of Cabatuan, Father Ramon Alquezar. Due to the lack of building materials, he decided to build a church from red baked bricks - this is how brick production appeared in the city. The intricate ornaments of the church interior were invented by Father Manuel Gutierrez. The construction was finally completed in 1866, after which services began to be held in it.
During the Spanish colonization, the church of San Nicolas de Tolentino was called the "model temple" because it was the finest example of European architecture in the Philippine archipelago. In 1948, the church was partially destroyed by an earthquake - four bell towers, two pediments on the façade and a central dome collapsed. Only in 1990 was the building completely restored to its splendor. Today it is one of the most picturesque churches in all of Asia.
