Description of the attraction
Built over two and a half centuries ago from yellow mud bricks and coral, the recently renovated Gimbal Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It has always attracted local residents, and in recent years it has also become one of the main tourist attractions in the province of Iloilo and the entire Western Visayas region.
The church building was built in 1774 under the leadership of the Spanish priest, Father Campos. Most of the churches in the province of Iloilo are built in the neoclassical style, and the Gimbal Church is a typical example of Baroque architecture. The church builders focused on the quality of their creation, not on its size. It is worth noting that, despite the fact that the general style of the Gimbal Church is, as mentioned above, baroque, there are elements of other styles in it. For example, the pillars and round rose windows are somewhat oriental, while the columns are definitely Corinthian. The spiers at the top of the church evoke associations with Moorish temples, while the towers-finials are similar to those in other churches of Iloilo. The original bell tower was replaced by a new one and, unlike other later additions, fit perfectly into the style of the church. Throughout its history, the Gimbal Church has undergone several restoration and renovation works, but the inner core has remained unchanged - which indicates the strength of the building.
You can get to the Gimbal Church, located in the village of the same name, from the city of Iloilo - the road will take about half an hour. Once upon a time, this amazing church attracted attention when signal bells rang from its bell towers. Today it attracts with its history and beauty.
