essay about molo church

Molo Church

Molo Church is a famous Spanish-colonial church and heritage site in Molo District. It known for the prominent red spires that crown its tall bell towers and as “the feminist church” because of the all-women ensemble of saints represented in 16 statues perched on the aisle pillars. Built in neogothic style, the church is one of the Iloilo City’s most familiar landmarks and top tourist attractions.

This magnificent structure can be best photographed during the late afternoon hours when the coral stone facade of the church reflects the soft golden rays of the sunset. While you are there, take a stroll in and around Molo Plaza. Also within an easy walk are a couple of remarkable heritage houses and the Iloilo Esplanade .

How to Get There

Molo Church can be found beside Molo Plaza, the central landmark in Molo District. It is quite famous, so it should be easy to get to by taxi or jeepney commute. Almost all jeepneys routes with “Molo” or “Arevalo” on its name will pass by the plaza or near it including Villa Arevalo, Molo Mandurriao, Molo Baluarte, Oton Anhawan, and Oton Derecho.

Hotels & Places to Stay Nearby

Hotel Del Rio Molo, Iloilo City Mid-Range Peaceful and relaxing views beside the Iloilo River Check Rates

Iloilo Business Hotel Smallville, Iloilo City Mid-Range Check Rates

MO2 Westown Hotel Iloilo Smallville, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Top notch rooms and excellent amenities Check Rates

Urban Sands Iloilo Molo, Iloilo City Beach-themed hotel on a quiet corner of Molo. Check Rates

Sarabia Manor Hotel City Proper, Iloilo City Mid-Range Check Rates

Skinetics Boutique Hotel Smallville, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Luxury Spacious specialty rooms Check Rates

View all Iloilo Hotels & Places to Stay

More About Molo Church

Built in 1831, Molo Church stands as a reminder of Iloilo’s rich history and a monument for Ilonggo artistry. The church exudes a fusion of the overpowering features of Gothic and the recessive characteristics of Romanesque architectural styles.

The interior is rich in Gothic elements. There are five gothic altars which are made of wood while beautiful paintings dominate the walls. Female Saints Stand on each pillar and a pair of interestingly decorated pulpits contrast the entire structure. The Spires of Molo are yet the most interesting colonial “skyscrapers” in Iloilo City aside from the neoclassic Belfry of Jaro. Text from  Lingganay , collection of Iloilo’s Heritage Churches.

Women wanting to be empowered by the graces of women saints have a place in Molo Church. This Molo Church made of coral rocks (affixed with a mortar made from egg whites mixed with sand) earned the moniker “women’s church” because of the presence of 16 images of women saints inside. The centerpiece in the retablo is the image of Sta. Ana, the patron saint of Molo.

It is said that in August 4, 1886, Dr. Jose Rizal, on his way back to Manila from his exile in Dapitan, passed by the church to pray and view its collection of biblical paintings, which is no longer extant.

Molo church is very sturdy and has survived fires, earthquakes, and artillery barrages in 1945. Molo church was made as an evacuation center for the civilians during WWII. One tower is said to have been destroyed by the Americans after suspecting it was used for military purposes by the Japanese during the Second World War. The bells still bear the scars of bullets shot at Philippine resistance fighters in the second world war. The National Historical Institute declared it a national landmark in 1992.

Contact & Information

• Address : Molo Plaza, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines

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May 7, 2017 at 10:34 pm

I want to know the height of the bell towers of Molo Church.. Please :) :)

September 2, 2012 at 5:46 pm

i love you molo…

September 2, 2012 at 5:45 pm

Molo church is a gothic ranaissance church of coral rocks and also known as a feminist church, any foreigners who came here in Iloilo should visit Molo church its one of the pride of Iloilo.. and also Molo plaza as of now was newly renovate which i think is one of the best place where you can jog either in the morning or in the evening.. the place was good as compared to the newly opened esplanade.. Molo church fronting molo plaza is one good place to visit if your here in Iloilo.

June 6, 2011 at 11:46 am

@ton….i strongly agree… the plaza is not pleasant… lack of aesthetics… unpaved ground… if not dilapidated,, no maintenance…. no theme… not landscaped…its very depressing and horrific…. i very rarely set foot in the plaza… it looks like a slum … i suggest it should be cobbled-stone, or bricked, or should made of concrete or limestone all over… eliminate all the cluttered stones and decaying dikes or riprap …

June 6, 2011 at 2:22 am

I cannot find any romanesque features inside the church. Is it not pure gothic?

May 24, 2013 at 11:00 am

i think romanesque features are the ceiling and other arc stuff inside the church, its gothic are mostly by the altars the pointed thingy etc..

May 17, 2014 at 11:38 am

“Gothic” in architecture refers to the sharp pointed turrets and arches. “Romasneque” refers to the rounded arches of the edifice. The Sta. Church possesses both of those Gothic and Romanesque arches making it a unique piece of architecture aside from being a beautiful church.

February 16, 2011 at 5:26 pm

i visited molo yesterday… thats it

November 13, 2010 at 8:31 pm

I have lots of memories of Molo Church growing up right in front of one of the most beautiful church in Iloilo. Lent and christmas mass are my most memorable ones inside this beautiful church surrounded by women saints.

October 10, 2009 at 12:53 am

thanks for posting the photos! more people should get to know iloilo. it has got the best of both the old and the new.

just one thing, in the history of the church… cr. jose rizal came to visit molo in 1896, not 1886. please check?

thanks! more power!

August 12, 2009 at 3:09 pm

molo church is of those old churches i’m so fascinated with, i have to request the taxi for a side trip before going to the airport for some photos. it’s gothic architecture is unique here in philippines…

June 13, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Its a huge church in Visayas and all the saints images was absolutely antiques.

June 13, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Wowww! Remembering the old happy days…John dee was right, its absoulutely gorgeous church in Visayas. Anyhow diyan kaya ako bininyagan at diyan din ang first communion ko. Baw kasadya guid man ya, walang kapantay na kaligayahan, misses all the Ilonggo foods there, talaba, inihaw, at batchoy. Hmmm..wala yan dito sa OZ. More power sa mga taga ilonians. Esp. sa mga best friend ko, Ms. Dorothy. cheers

May 13, 2008 at 12:46 pm

i’ve seen this place last march2008 during our roundtrip from AUP and around visayas, it is one of the best place i’ve been and the history of it was so cool too.,’ it stands for so long.,’ i know that the ilonngos are very proud of it and so am i.,’ i never thought that philippines would have such beautiful churches.,’ Godspeed you’all~

February 29, 2008 at 7:59 pm

the most beautiful church in visayas. the city government should do something about the restoration of the church and the enhancement of the adjacent environs, particularly the plaza. ang pangit kc, ang ganda ng facade tapos no good tambayan yng area. sayang, it coud be a good tourist attraction sa cuidad. just imagne, having an outdoor coffee in one lazy afternoon on a pavers ground, fronting the gothic architcture church and old colonial houses on the bckground. feels like europe, hehehe. isn’t it? mayor do somethng to make iloilo look more pleasant. just like what ateinza did in manila.

February 29, 2008 at 9:56 am

i have been to iloilo but never been to this church, i just came in to jaro cathedral and they had all male saints namely the 12 apostle, but in this pic they showed 16 female saints, i was impressed that ilonggos have their unique churches, i hope to see this church when i come back again to iloilo

November 26, 2007 at 10:55 am

nice pix…

November 5, 2007 at 3:23 am

Hi! Chymera, musta ka na?

Requesting permission to post one(1) Sta. Ana Church photo in our Locsin family website. This church was built in 1831 by our ancestor, Josef Manuel Locsin y Sayson. Salamat guid!

Sa guihapon…dinggol a.divinagracia

October 3, 2007 at 1:39 pm

Your site is awesome & informative. I’m planning to go to iloilo by january 2008, can you tell me the “places/things I shouldn’t miss” in visiting your place. thanks!

August 5, 2007 at 11:41 am

February 14, 2010 at 1:21 am

memories…

February 21, 2007 at 3:36 am

im malou im born in iloilo but molo church its so beatifull now the priest it so good if going married someday i want to do in molo church god bless you .

September 27, 2006 at 11:37 pm

Molo church is one of the memorable place i had during my high school and college days. It was a place where we eat water melon together with my high school classmates in ICNHS. i know lots of people valued the place so much too. i know some people who met in the place and get married later on. some came to the place to find healing and calming atmosphere out from a very busy day. others are excited to come to eat some bebingka especially during simbang gabi( aginaldo?). Let’s therefore help preserve the place. The place is so full of memories!

God bless! Dee T.

A "nature plus nurture" advocacy campaign on sustainable tourism.

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ILOILO: Molo Cathedral

St. Anne Parish

The Saint Anne Parish Church, more popularly known as “Molo Church”, earns the distinction of being acknowledged as the oldest church in Iloilo.

This majestic stained glass window of St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so gloriously resplendent in the afternoon sun overlooks the town plaza.

MASS SCHEDULE:

Molo Church – St. Anne Parish Church

Location: Across Molo Plaza, Molo Iloilo

Telephone no.: (033) 337-2258

Confession:

Daily (24 hours)

Mass Times:

Daily Masses: 5:30am, 5:30pm Saturdays: 5:30am, 5pm (Jerusalem Mass) Sundays: 5am, 6:30am, 8am, 10am, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm

OTHER LINKS:

Molo Church: Her Story

By Atty. Rex S. Salvilla

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/07/24/molo.church.her.story.html

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Updated Schedule: Daily Masses: 5:30am, 5:30pm Saturdays: 5:30am, 5pm (Jerusalem Mass) Sundays: 5am, 6:30am, 8am, 10am, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm Confession: Daily (24 hours)

Maraming salamat po sa update. Revised the text already to incorporate the new sked.

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Molo Church

• September 1, 2022
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Rich History

Molo Church, started construction in 1831 under Fray Pablo Montaño and was completed in 1888 under Fray Agapito Buenaflor and also under the supervision of Don Jose Manuel Locsin. It was erected in honor of Saint Anne. The Gothic-renaissance highlights two pointed belfries and made of white coral rock. “La iglesia bonita” – The beauty of Molo Church was unlike any other. Even the famous Dr. Jose Rizal was enamored by its beauty. The national hero visited the church in 1886 for its then existing biblical paintings. Apparently, the church was damaged during the Japanese regime, and it was also used as an evacuation center for civilians during World War II, but was repaired later on by Rev. Manuel Alba. “A famous Spanish colonial church and heritage site in Molo district. It is know for the prominent red spires that crown its tall bell towers and as ‘the feminist church’ because of the all-women ensemble of saints represented in 16 statues perched on the aisle pillars. Built in neogothic style, the church is one of Iloilo City’s most familiar landmark and top tourist attractions.” – Saint Anne Parish Church in Molo. To date, the church is a national landmark declared by the National Historical Institute in 1992.

Christian tradition says that Saint Anne is the mother of Mary and the maternal grandmother of Jesus. Although her name was not in the canonical gospels, it was mentioned with her husband Joachim in the New Testament Apocrypha, specifically in the Gospel of James.

Molo, a district in Iloilo City, is the most densely populated compared to other districts. Unbeknownst to many, Molo was the original ‘Parian’ (Chinese district or Chinatown) of Iloilo City. Molo used to be a separate municipality before it was incorporated to the then-municipality of Iloilo via Act No. 719 of 1903. It is also lauded as the ‘Athens of the Philippines’, as it was the center of learning in the Visayas. It is also the birthplace of prominent figures and illustrados, including philosophers, political leaders, government officials, to mention a few. Other highlights in Molo, Iloilo City is the Molo Plaza, lauded as the ‘most beautiful public plaza in the city’, Molo Plaza is adorned by statues and a monument of Maria Clara. A fountain is also found at the center of the plaza . Just across the church and through the plaza is the Yusay-Consing Mansion (Molo Mansion). It was built in the 1920s and has been home to Molo’s powerful and influential families. With its preservation, it is now a heritage museum housing products, delicacies, art and crafts by Ilonggos. The beauty and history of Molo is indeed astounding. From its origins to its current glory, Molo has something for everyone. So come on board and explore this beautiful city for yourself!

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The Philippines Today

The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow

Iglesia de Molo Iloilo

This photograph of Molo Church, taken by Felix Laureano, appeared in Ilustracion Artistica in 1897 in Barcelona, Spain.

Known as St. Anne Parish Church, the Gothic-Renaissance church of Molo was built in 1831 with coral rock under the supervision of Jose Manuel Locsin. It has five retablos and stained glass windows. It gained the name of the Women’s Lib church and a “feminist church” from the 16 female saints lining the nave. Its two belfies were rebuilt after being destroyed during the 1945 war bombings.

It is said that Dr. Jose Rizal, on his way back to Manila from his exile in Dapitan, passed by the church. In 1992, it was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute.

Molo is one of the seven districts of Iloilo City historically known as “Parian” or Chinatown of Iloilo where many Chinese residents used to live.

Molo is referred to as the “Athens of the Philippines” due to its association with Filipino intellectuals and political leaders. The district has produced numerous senators, justices, governors, generals, congressmen, and cabinet officials throughout history.

Pancit molo, the famed dumpling soup, also originated from the Molo district.

Source: Ilustracion Artistica Reference: National Museum Western Visayas

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The Travelling Tarsier

The timeless charm of churches in iloilo: a journey through history and faith.

As a seasoned travel blogger, I’ve had the privilege to explore numerous destinations, but few have captivated me, like the churches in Iloilo. 

Nestled in the heart of the Philippines , Iloilo is a region steeped in history, with its churches standing as proud testaments to its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

A Glimpse into Iloilo’s Historical Tapestry

The churches in Iloilo are not merely places of worship; they are historical landmarks that offer a window into the past. 

For instance, the San Enrique Catholic Church is a significant site where General Martin Delgado, the first Filipino governor of Iloilo, took his oath. 

This church, along with others in the region, dates back to the Spanish colonial period, symbolizing the intertwined history of faith and governance in the Philippines.

Molo Church: A Symbol of Feminist Spirituality

The Molo Church , also known as the Church of St. Anne, is fascinating. Built-in 1831 from white coral rock, it’s fondly referred to as a feminist church, owing to the exclusively female saint images adorning its interiors. 

With its unique Gothic architecture, this national landmark has been well-preserved, showcasing the enduring legacy of religious art in Iloilo.

Miagao Church: A UNESCO World Heritage Marvel

Another jewel in Iloilo’s crown is the Miagao Church , a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its colonial Baroque architecture. 

This church, also known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, features two unequal bell towers, historically serving as watchtowers against Islamic invasions. 

The church’s gold-plated retablo, dating back to the late 1700s, is a remarkable religious art miraculously recovered after being lost in a fire in 1910.

Guimbal and Jaro Cathedral: Testaments to Resilience and Faith

The Guimbal Church , one of the oldest in the Philippines, was built in 1774. Its Romanesque-inspired walls have withstood the test of time, surviving both World War II and a devastating earthquake in 1948. 

Similarly, the Jaro Cathedral , built in 1874 in the Romanesque Revival style, showcases the resilient spirit of Iloilo’s religious community. It, too, was damaged in the 1948 earthquake but was restored to its former glory. 

The cathedral was declared a National Shrine and hosts the annual feast of Our Lady of Candles , a significant event in the Catholic calendar.

The Soul of Iloilo: Churches as Beacons of Heritage and Faith

In the vibrant landscape of Iloilo, churches stand not just as religious edifices but as pivotal landmarks of cultural and spiritual significance. They are intricately woven into the city’s fabric and intrinsic to its identity. 

For instance, the Molo Church and the Jaro Cathedral are not just architectural marvels; they embody the rich history and diverse culture of Iloilo. 

With its unique design and story, each church adds to the tapestry of Iloilo’s heritage, making the city a magnet for religious tourism.

These churches are more than just places of worship. They are custodians of history, having witnessed the city’s evolution, and they continue to play a vital role in the community. 

They are the venues for numerous religious and cultural events, such as the Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, where the rich traditions of Iloilo come to life. 

This historical and spiritual blend makes these churches essential in understanding the city’s past and present.

Architectural Chronicles: Exploring Iloilo’s Church Heritage

The architectural splendor of Iloilo’s churches is a journey through various styles, from Gothic and Romanesque to Spanish colonial. 

Molo Church , renowned for its Gothic-Renaissance architecture, and Jaro Cathedral , with its Romanesque Revival design, are just glimpses into this rich architectural heritage. 

Each church, whether the San Jose Placer Parish Church with its Corinthian columns or the Santa Barbara Parish Church reflecting Baroque Renaissance architecture, tells a story of a different era.

The detailed preservation of these structures, like the coral rock construction of Molo Church and the neoclassical elements in Santa Barbara Church, speaks volumes about the efforts to maintain their original glory. 

Particularly noteworthy is the Miag-ao Church , a UNESCO World Heritage Site melting pot of architectural influences from various periods and cultures. 

These churches are not just buildings but historical narratives in stone and mortar, offering a window into Iloilo’s past.

The Echoes of Time: Churches in Iloilo’s Tapestry

Reflecting on the churches in Iloilo is like leafing through the pages of a rich historical tome. Each church, with its unique architectural style and history, is a chapter in the story of Iloilo. 

They are reminders of the city’s diverse cultural roots and the resilience of its people. From the bullet marks on the Molo Church, a silent witness to the ravages of war, to the Miag-ao Church’s facade, a testament to cultural fusion, these structures are historical treasures.

I encourage both locals and tourists to delve into this heritage. Explore the churches of Iloilo, not just as tourist spots but as landmarks of faith, culture, and history. 

They are not merely structures of worship but are pivotal in understanding the rich tapestry of Iloilo’s history and the enduring spirit of its people.

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Iloilo City: Where the past and present meet for the future

• Alvin I. Dacanay
• March 31, 2014
• 11 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

Cathedral of candles, faithful females, ‘living museum’, historic town, heritage and history.

FOR first-time visitors, Iloilo City may seem like a place where the classic, the colonial and the contemporary not only co-exist, but also complement one another. True, this could also be said of other cities established during the Spanish colonial period that continue to flourish in the 21st century, but the co-existence of features of this vibrant Western Visayan city’s past and present never really feels awkward or forced. In fact, it feels rather natural.

This co-existence can be seen with a quick tour of downtown Iloilo City. From Casa Real—also known as the Old Provincial Capitol Building—and the Arroyo Fountain on the corner of General Luna and Iznart streets to the recently built Iloilo City Hall and Plaza Libertad on De la Rama Street, near what is called Calle Real, visitors may feel as if they are being pulled into the past and then pushed back into the present with every structure they pass by—year-old bank branches, decades-old offices, postwar shops, prewar buildings.

It is no surprise, then, that local-government and private-sector players—the Iloilo provincial and city governments, the Department of Tourism in Region 6 (Western Visayas), the Iloilo City Tourism and Development Office, the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC), the Canadian government-supported Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED), and the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) Inc., among others—are taking advantage of the dynamic relationship between the city’s past and present to spur development. They envision this development to include the transformation of Iloilo City into a top destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions/events (MICE) in the country and the Asia-Pacific region.

According to IBC Executive Director Maria Lea Victoria E. Lara, the efforts to make this transformation a reality began in earnest with Iloilo City’s inclusion in the short list of possible venues for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Conference Summit, which the Philippines will host. She said several structures and facilities are being built in preparation for this event and to enhance the city’s status as an emerging MICE center. These include the P500-million, two-story Iloilo Convention Center inside Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park in the city’s Mandurriao district, which will have eight function rooms and can accommodate up to 3,700 people; and at least four hotels, which are projected to boost the number of hotel rooms in the city to between 3,200 and 3,500 by next year.

These construction projects, however, only tell half of Iloilo City’s continuing tale of transformation, only offer an encouraging glimpse into its future. The other half offers a sliding capiz window-framed view of the city’s past through the culinary and cultural-heritage tourism programs that local officials and their partners in the private sector are already implementing and improving to complement MICE events. Initiatives supporting these programs, according to Lara and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Benito T. Jimena, include the heritage bill filed by Rep. Jerry P. Treñas of the Lone District of Iloilo City to maintain and preserve the city’s six Spanish-era plazas; the city heritage tours that the city government designed and has been offering since 2010, when current Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog became its chief executive; and the training of tourism frontliners on various protocols, the funds for which are provided by the LGSP-LED.

For a city rich in culture, history and potential, visitors may ask: Which sites are worth seeing? Which destinations deserve to be experienced? For Jimena, the answer is simple. According to him, such sites meet three basic criteria: accessibility, historical worth and “narrative” value. He said what makes Iloilo City’s tourist attractions, well, more attractive are the stories they tell.

Jimena is right. The tourist spots—and the significant structures—in Iloilo City and the towns surrounding it tell many stories: of immense wealth generated from sugar and textile production; of the high regard Ilonggos have for education (some of the nation’s most important colleges and universities are found in the city); of their constant striving to improve themselves and their way of life, as well as their need to maintain a healthy balance between work and play; and, of course, their faith, which continues to burn as steady as the perpetually lit candle carried by the image of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), the patroness of the entire Western Visayas, at her shrine in the city’s Jaro district.

THAT shrine—formally called the Jaro (or Saint Elizabeth of Hungary) Metropolitan Cathedral and National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles—is the seat of the Archdiocese of Jaro and the center of Roman Catholicism in Western Visayas. The church, a recognized national historical landmark that was constructed in the Romanesque Revival architectural style between February 1869 and February 1874, is notable among colonial-era houses of worship for two things.

The first of these is the limestone image of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, which is displayed on a balcony above the doors of the cathedral and which can be reached by climbing the concrete stairs built against the façade. This image is reputedly miraculous; according to some accounts, it occupied the niche near the top of the façade until it grew too big for the small space. The image also has the distinction of being canonically crowned by the late Pope John Paul II himself during his visit to Iloilo City on February 21, 1981.

(A brief digression: In English, Candelaria actually means “Candlemas.” It is a Catholic feast celebrated every February 2 that commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus to the old priest Simeon in the Temple in Jerusalem and the purification of the Virgin Mary, which were done in accordance with the Law of Moses.)

The second are the wonderfully restored statues of Jesus’s apostles, which are perched on platforms attached to the columns in the nave. These enhance the cathedral’s very pristine interiors, which are painted in bright yellow, sky blue and white, and feature vivid murals depicting Biblical and heavenly figures and scenes. A few of these images—of Andrew and James the Minor, to be exact—have rather dramatic poses, while the rest stand stoic. Many people, especially outsiders, are familiar with the church because of these statues.

LIKE the Jaro Cathedral, another, slightly older house of worship is also known for its gallery of saints. But unlike the images in the cathedral, the ones in Saint Anne Parish Church in the district of Molo are those of female saints. This fact has prompted a lot of people to call the church “feminist,” or consider it and the cathedral as twin or sister-churches.

Built in the Gothic-Renaissance style in the 1860s, Molo Church is seen by many people as an architectural treasure—the spires on its twin belfries and the pointed arches on its main and side altars are only a few of its noteworthy features—which the National Historical Institute, or NHI (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, or NHCP), acknowledged when it declared the church as a national historical landmark in 1992. No doubt the 16 images of the holy women housed there—from Jesus’s disciples (Mary Magdalene and Martha of Bethany) and Roman martyrs (Lucy and Agnes, among others) to foundresses of religious orders (Clare of Assisi and Teresa of Avila) and pious mothers (Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, and Elizabeth of Hungary)—are a great part of the church’s beauty, despite the fact that the years have considerably dulled their once-luminous appearance.

There are some stories on why these statues were selected to adorn the church’s interiors, which are, on the whole, less showy than the Jaro Cathedral’s. According to one story, the images represent the saints to whom Molo’s Spanish-era weavers were devoted and had prayed in times of distress. It is easy to imagine an indigena , or native woman, of that time praying to Saint Martha for help in a household problem, to Saint Lucy for the complete restoration of a loved one’s failing eyesight, or to Saint Monica for guidance on how to reform a wayward, worldly son.

THIS interesting tidbit on the history behind those images was shared with this writer by Luth Saludes Camiña, who, with her husband Gerard, owns and manages the Camiña Balay nga Bato, a two-story heritage house in the district of Arevalo that was opened to the public in June 2010.

Of all the city’s heritage houses, the Camiña stone house (also known as the Avanceña House, so named after its first owners) may be the only one that offers lovers of local culture and history a real taste of what it was like to live, work and eat in such a home during the mid- to late 19th century. For a very reasonable fee (minimum of P150), tourists who have made prior arrangements with the owners or their staff to visit the house are treated to demonstrations of hablon -weaving and tsokolate tablea -making on the first floor, where the Lola Rufina Heritage Curio Shop is located; and (depending on the tour package they availed themselves of) to a cup of rich and thick tsokolate tablea , hard biscuits (such as biscocho ), and a hot bowl of molo soup on the second floor, where the museum proper is found.

Much of the house’s appeal lies in how Mrs. Camiña conducts her heritage tours. From floor to floor, from room to room, she impresses visitors with her deep and extensive knowledge of her own home: its history (the house was built from 1860 to 1865 by Padre Anselmo Avanceña, the parish priest of Arevalo at the time; Fernando Avanceña, Mr. Camiña’s great-grandfather, financed its construction); architectural style (“architectura mestiza,” in which, Mrs. Camiña explained, “the walls do not carry the house’s weight,” which is carried by large posts made of hard wood, such as molave and kamagong ); and indications of social status (the house has 10 windows; according to her, the more windows a stone house has, the wealthier the homeowner is), among others.

Clearly, for the Camiñas, the house is not just their home; it is their “living museum,” where artifacts from the past are not gathering dust on shelves or encased in glass, but continue to be useful to people. The efforts they have made to turn their house into what it is today offer more proof that the past is always present, and can even make a profit. Such conscientious efforts are not only seen in Iloilo City, but also in nearby towns.

ONE of these towns is Santa Barbara, located 16 kilometers north of the city. This modest and quiet municipality occupies an important spot in Philippine history, for it is the first town in the Visayas to declare independence from Spain, as well as the first outside Luzon to raise the Philippine flag. This declaration of independence, called “The Cry of Santa Barbara,” took place on November 17, 1898, and was led by Gen. Martin T. Delgado, who became the first governor of Iloilo province after he was forced to surrender to the Americans on February 2, 1901.

Those interested to learn more about Santa Barbara—which was included in the Freedom Trail of Philippine Independence—and its most distinguished son can do so through the instructive cultural-heritage tour managed by local tourism executives, led by Tourism Officer Irene S. Magallon. (This tour, a project of the LGSP-LED, was made possible through the MIGEDC.)

This tour involves visiting key sites around the town plaza. One of these is the Santa Barbara Church, which was constructed in the Baroque-Renaissance architectural style by Augustinian friars between 1849 and 1878. General Delgado used the church and its convent as his headquarters when the Revolutionary Government in the Visayas was established, and for this reason they were declared a national historical landmark by the NHI in 1990 and a national cultural treasure on November 17, 2013.

As of this writing, the disaster-damaged yet enduring house of worship is being rehabilitated and restored—a massive undertaking that, local tourism-office staff member Danelyn S. Sumaylo says, has a P50-million budget (more than half—P30 million—was provided by the NHCP; the rest, by national-level and local politicians) and is expected to be finished by June 12, 2015, in time for the holding of the nationwide celebration of the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Santa Barbara.

Across the church is another key site: the Santa Barbara Centennial Museum, which was built in 1998, in time for the country’s celebration of the centenary of the declaration of its independence. The two-floor museum not only houses General Delgado memorabilia and a replica of the flag raised during the Cry of Santa Barbara, but also a host of other items—swords, World War II military equipment, colorful and symbolism-rich indigenous clothing, gowns, chinaware, antique jars—that were either donated or loaned by the town’s more affluent residents.

A stone’s throw away from the museum—in front of the Santa Barbara Municipal Hall, to be exact—is the country’s largest flag (30 feet by 60 feet), which flutters at the top what is said to be the nation’s second-tallest flagpole (120 feet). And facing it, at one end of the town plaza, is the Gen. Martin T. Delgado Monument, on which a bronze statue of the revered military leader stands and where his remains now rest.

Also part of the tour is a demonstration of Belgian bobbin lacemaking, which is unique to the town. Introduced to the women of Santa Barbara by a Belgian nun, Sister Madeleine Dieryck of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in 1991, this type of intricate lacemaking is done by the industrious women of Women United Through Handcrafted Lace and Embroidery, a nonprofit organization that provides livelihood opportunities for female survivors of leprosy and their relatives. Some of the beautiful items they crafted—tablecloths of different sizes, coasters, handkerchiefs—are sold at reasonable prices in select shops and trade fairs here and overseas, mostly in Europe.

IF Iloilo City’s tourism sites prove anything to visitors, it is that Ilonggos have a strong sense of heritage and history, and that they let this sense guide them in creating a path toward a future that promises progress and prosperity and, at the same time, keeps the past in the picture.

It is this same sense, one would like to believe, that guides local government officials in putting the profits the city generates to good use, in places where residents can see—and feel—where their hard-earned money went: the mangroves that are planted on the banks of the Iloilo River, regarded as one of the country’s cleanest rivers; the 1.2-kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade, which may be seen—rightly or wrongly—as a neater, much-better version of Manila’s now-gone Baywalk strip; and the restoration of the American-colonial-period structures—the International Hotel, and the Ng Chin Beng Hermanos and Serafin Villanueva buildings, among others—on Calle Real, which is being promoted as a tourist destination in its own right.

Like many cities founded during the Spanish colonial era that continue to thrive today, Iloilo City is still a work in progress and, as such, subject to changes, significant and otherwise. Its story—already deep and fascinating and textured as it is—is still far from over. In fact, it may never end: in Iloilo City, time seems to shift from street to street, and the past and present meet for the future. The characters and changing sceneries that lend color and vibrancy to its story have entranced many tourists through the years, and will keep entrancing them in the years ahead. It is a story that other cities in the country can take a page or two from.

For more information on the featured tourist sites, visit www.facebook.com/iloilocitytourism , ourladyofcandlesnationalshrine.com, www.facebook.com/stanneparishmolo, www.facebook.com/pages/Camiña-Balay-nga-Bato-in-Iloilo and www.facebook.com/pages/Discover-Santa-Barbara-Iloilo.

Image credits: Alvin I. Dacanay

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I just hope Iloilo City does not suffer the same fate as Metro Manila where over development is taking its toll in terms of terrible traffic, congestion and pollution! Planners take note!

right!….the pace of new building and construction has already turned Metro Manila into a toxic cesspool, unfit for sane, healthy living

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Molo Church

Cwvs collection 2015, university of the philippines visayas - center for west visayan studies iloilo city, philippines.

Molo Church holds the reputation for being the most beautiful church in the whole Western Visayas. It is also known as a feminist church because of the two rows of sixteen female saints line on both sides of the altar.

• Title: Molo Church
• Creator: CWVS Collection
• Location: Molo, Iloilo

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[OPINION] Rizal’s visit to Iloilo: Separating fact from fiction

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Places associated with national hero Jose Rizal (1861-1896) often attract interest and fascination. Historical markers have been installed in them, like in his birthplace Calamba, and in Dapitan where he was exiled, and they have become part of heritage tour packages, prominently featured in tourism websites and brochures.

To commemorate his 150th birth anniversary in 2011, the Department of Tourism issued a “Rizal passport” as a way of encouraging Filipinos to travel around the country and explore age-old churches, train stations, parks, and little-known beaches, among others, where the national hero had been to.

One of the places included in the passport was the Gothic-Renaissance church of the former pueblo of Molo, now a district in Iloilo City, which Rizal visited during a half-day layover on August 4, 1896 while traveling from Dapitan to Manila.

Upon arriving in Iloilo in the morning, Rizal took a “ quiles drawn by one horse” and went to the Escolta, also known as Calle Real or the modern-day JM Basa Street, where he bought a traveling cap. He was pleased by “the liveliness of the Escolta.”

“We went to Molo to see the church painted by a lad who has never left the locality. The governor’s palace is at the end of the Escolta, on the road to Molo. I was surprised to see all the carts and even the calesas drawn by oxen,” Rizal wrote in his diary.

“From Iloilo to Molo takes one half hour. We reach Molo. The church is pretty outside and the interior is not bad, considering that it had been painted by a lad. The paintings are mostly copies of biblical scenes by (French artist) Gustave Doré,” he added.

A block away from the Molo church, on San Jose Street, can be found a heritage house which has earned the moniker Casa Rizaliana, allegedly because Rizal had lunch there when it was still owned by his friend, lawyer Raymundo Melliza (1854-1945).

How Rizal and Melliza became friends remains unanswered, considering that the national hero only arrived in Spain in 1882, two years after the Iloilo native returned home after earning his Doctor of Laws degree from the Universidad Central de Madrid in 1879.

When Melliza was at the University of Santo Tomas for his bachelor’s degree, which he earned in 1873, Rizal was just 12 years old and was then studying at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. Melliza then left for Spain to enroll at the University of Barcelona, but eventually earned his Licentiate in Laws from the University of Sevilla in 1878.

‘Heneral Rizal’ streams on Rappler Act One

There was also no indication that Melliza was involved in the Propaganda Movement because Graciano Lopez Jaena, La Solidaridad’s first editor and who was also from Iloilo, arrived in Spain only in 1880. 

It was only later when Melliza involved himself in the campaign against Spain, after he joined his fellow Ilonggo elites in organizing the Comité Conspirador in March 1898, which spearheaded the revolution against the colonial government. He became president of the Estado Federal de Visayas, the short-lived revolutionary government in Panay from 1898 to 1899.

When the Americans took over, he was named associate justice of the Supreme Court but resigned a year later due to health problems. He became Iloilo’s second governor from 1904 to 1906 after which he devoted himself to farming. In 1935, he came out of retirement as the vice presidential running mate of General Emilio Aguinaldo in the Commonwealth elections.

In Melliza’s former house in Molo, which became part of heritage tour packages in Iloilo City prior to the pandemic, a huge painting of Rizal now hangs in its sala, supposedly honoring the occasion of the national hero’s alleged visit.

The story goes that Rizal visited Melliza to talk to him about Cuba as the latter was said to have just arrived from that Spanish colony where he served as a magistrate in the Supreme Court there. Rizal had volunteered his services as a doctor in Cuba during the outbreak of yellow fever.

In his article titled “Rizal’s short stint in Iloilo City” that was published in the July 20, 2007 issue of the defunct The News Today , the late historian Henry Funtecha cited “Angayen 1973” as his source, apparently referring to something written by the late journalist Loreto Angayen.

FALSE: Ferdinand Marcos, Jose Rizal established World Bank

What Angayen wrote in 1973 cannot be confirmed at the moment as libraries in Iloilo City are still restricted due to the pandemic. Historian and former Iloilo Vice Governor Demy Sonza said Funtecha may have cited a newspaper article as Angayen had not written any book during his lifetime.  

Meanwhile, Rizal’s diary and surviving copies of the Gaceta de la Habana and the Gaceta de Manila , the official gazette of the Spanish colonial government in Cuba and the Philippines during that time – all of which are now available online – disprove the veracity of the purported Rizal-Melliza meeting.

First of all, Rizal never mentioned in his diary that he visited Melliza in his house. If the meeting indeed happened, why would he omit it since he managed to record every detail of his trip? 

Second – it was only on December 17, 1897 when Melliza was appointed secretary of the Audiencia de Habana, according to the February 2, 1897 issue of the Gaceta de la Habana . That’s four months after Rizal had supposedly visited his home in Molo to talk with him about Cuba.

It was not known whether Melliza had indeed accepted the appointment to the post vacated by Jose Lorenzo, but the May 25, 1897 issue of the Gaceta de la Habana shows that, as per notice dated April 21, 1897, he had been dismissed from service and was replaced by Vidal Morales y Morales.

Third – it was simply impossible for Rizal to have lunch at Melliza’s home considering the travel time from Molo to the port of Iloilo where his boat for Manila, the steamer España , was waiting.

“We returned to the boat on time. Many passengers, about 25, embarked for Manila, among them actors, the aide of the general who came from Iligan with papers and important dispatches, and a pharmacist. We left Iloilo at 12 or 1 pm,” he wrote.

The distance between Muelle Loney or the port of Iloilo and the church of Molo is about four kilometers, which took the horse-drawn carriage around 30 minutes to traverse. That would have given Rizal around two hours to go around Molo church and the plaza if he needed to be back at the port before noon.

Finally, and perhaps most significant of all, is the fact that it was also impossible for Melliza to have entertained Rizal in his home because he was not in Iloilo during that time but in Bulacan working as a judge of the court of first instance.

In fact, the day before Rizal’s visit in Molo on August 4, 1896, Melliza had signed a public notice involving a land title application filed by Don Jose Moreno Lacalle in the town of San Miguel de Mayumo in Bulacan, as shown by the August 10, 1896 issue of the Gaceta de Manila .

Various issues of the Gaceta de Manila during that period show that Melliza was in Bulacan from the last quarter of 1894 to September 1896. 

Melliza was then appointed judge of the court of first instance in Laoag, Ilocos Norte as he had signed a judicial notice in that capacity on November 10, 1896 in a case involving some properties in the town of Badoc, according to the same publication’s December 16, 1896 issue.

During this time, Rizal was already in Fort Santiago awaiting for his execution, after he was found guilty of his involvement in the Katipunan. He was arrested on October 6, 1896 in Barcelona while on his way to Cuba.

Simply put, the purported Rizal-Melliza lunch date never took place. – Rappler.com

Nereo C. Lujan heads the Public Information and Community Affairs Office of the Province of Iloilo .

Voices features opinions from readers of all backgrounds, persuasions, and ages; analyses from advocacy leaders and subject matter experts; and reflections and editorials from Rappler staff. 

You may submit pieces for review to [email protected]. 

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Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church (Miag-ao Church)

Miag-ao Church, also known as the Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in the town of Miagao, Iloilo, is an Augustinian-built baroque church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1787 and 1797, its fortress-like design suggests its dual purpose as a place of worship and as a fort used in defending the town against moro raiders.

Architecture

Miag-ao Church exhibits various architectural designs with the predominance of baroque and local artistic elements. Its facade employs diverse relief motifs, and period styles. These are carved on local carbonaceous limestone of soft yellow ochre color.

The adobe used in building the church is made from silt and clay that can only be found in this part of Iloilo, giving the building a unique warm-yellowish glow. Flying buttresses from the side of the church walls are typical of the "earthquake baroque" design reminiscent of churches in Ilocos, particularly Panay Church and Vigan Cathedral. The church's simple interior is highlighted by a striking gold-plated retablo.

In Baroque-Romanesque style, the church sinks six meters deep into the ground with walls one-and-a-half meters thick and buttresses three times thicker. A heavy frieze and decorative valusters separate the first level from the second as well as the integrated pediment. Columns flank the arched entrance and the lateral sections. The facade has a very subdued vertical movement, mostly overwhelmed by the sweeping horizontal curves and arched portals and saints' niches. The strong horizontal movement of the first level is contrasted by the sharp rise of the pediment. The whole structure is flanked by massive bell towers that almost resemble medieval castle towers. The two structures are dissimilar in design because they were commissioned by the two different parish priests.

Miag-ao’s first parish church was constructed near the Tumagbok River in Ubos by Nicolas Pangkug, the first town capitan (equivalent to today’s town mayor). It was completed three years before the first assignment of a Spanish priest in Miag-ao, consequent to the creation of the Miag-ao parish on 15 May 1734. The first church was burned by Muslim pirates in 1741.

The second church was constructed on the same site in 1747 under the guidance of the parish priest, Fray Fernando Camporedondo. This was also burned and looted by pirates in May 1754.

Construction of the present church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales, O.S.A. was the parish priest of the town and Domingo Libo-on was gobernadorcillo. It was completed in 1797. It served as fortress against Muslim raiders. During the revolution, the church was 1898 destroyed and subsequently rebuilt. It was damaged again by an earthquake in 1948. Restoration was completed in 1962. Under Archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco, parish priest Fernando S. Javillo and Mayor Dioscoro Mueda.

By virtue of P.D. 260, 1 August 1973 as amended by P.D. 375, 14 January 1974, this church was declared as a National Landmark. In 1994 it was listed by the UNESCO as a World Cultiral Heritage Site.

How to get there

Iloilo Province is located in Western Visayas and can be reached by plane, bus, ferry or roro (roll-on-roll-off) from Manila.

By Air: There are direct flights to Iloilo Intenational Airport and take around 50 minutes from Manila. Once there, one can ride a shuttle van or taxi going to Iloilo City. List of airlines that have daily trips to Manila to Iloilo:

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Philippines
• Philippine Airlines

By Sea: From Manila Ports, the travel time going to Iloilo Domestic Port, located along General Hughes St.,  is about 20 hours.

By Land: There are buses from Manila that have trips to Iloilo City. The bus uses the roro (roll-on-roll-off) services going to Iloilo. The bus terminals in Cubao and Pasay have buses with trips going to Iloilo.

When touring the province, taxis and jeepneys are available as a mode of transportation around the province. Miag-ao is located 40.04 km. southwest of Iloilo City. Jeepneys can be taken from the city proper to this town in about 45 minutes.

• http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Miagao_Church

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Essay on Church

Students are often asked to write an essay on Church in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Church

What is a church.

A church is a place where Christians gather to worship God. It’s not just a building, but a community of people who share the same faith.

The Role of a Church

A church serves many purposes. It’s a place for prayer, worship, and learning about the Bible. Churches also help people in need and organize social events.

Church Architecture

Many churches have unique architecture. They often have a cross shape, a tall tower called a steeple, and stained glass windows that tell stories from the Bible.

Importance of Church

Going to church helps people feel closer to God. It also provides a sense of belonging and community.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Church

250 Words Essay on Church

Origins and evolution.

The Church, in Christian parlance, denotes both a physical space for worship and a spiritual community of believers. Its inception can be traced back to the 1st century AD, when Jesus Christ’s teachings began to inspire gatherings of followers.

Theological Significance

The Church serves as a bridge between the divine and the human, embodying the teachings of Christ. It is perceived as the ‘Body of Christ’, with each member playing a unique role. This concept underscores the importance of unity and mutual cooperation within the Church.

Structural Dimensions

Physically, churches have evolved from humble house gatherings to grand architectural marvels. They are often designed to inspire awe and reverence, with elements such as the nave, altar, and steeple holding deep symbolic significance.

Societal Role

Beyond its religious functions, the Church plays a pivotal role in societal development. It has been a source of education, charity, and social justice movements. However, it has also faced criticism for instances of corruption and abuse of power.

Modern Challenges and Adaptations

In the 21st century, the Church grapples with issues like dwindling attendance and relevance in an increasingly secular world. However, it continues to adapt, embracing technology and redefining its methods of outreach to resonate with the contemporary world.

In conclusion, the Church is a complex entity, vastly influential yet continually evolving. Its future, shaped by both internal dynamics and external societal changes, remains a topic of intense discussion and speculation.

500 Words Essay on Church

Introduction.

The Church, a term often associated with a physical structure, encompasses a much broader concept. It is a spiritual community, a beacon of faith, a symbol of divine connection and a cradle of shared beliefs. This essay aims to delve into the various dimensions of the Church, its historical development, socio-cultural significance, and its role in modern society.

Historical Development of the Church

The origins of the Church can be traced back to the 1st century AD, with the teachings of Jesus Christ forming its bedrock. The Church, as an institution, evolved over the centuries, adapting to changing socio-political landscapes. The split of the Roman Empire led to the schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century further diversified the Church’s identity, leading to a multitude of denominations.

Socio-Cultural Significance

The Church has always been more than a place of worship; it is a cornerstone of community life. It has traditionally served as a hub for social interaction, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood. The Church has been instrumental in the preservation and propagation of cultural values, traditions, and languages, particularly in societies where religion is tightly woven into the social fabric.

The Church and Education

Historically, the Church played a pivotal role in education. Monasteries during the Middle Ages were centers of learning, preserving ancient texts and promoting literacy. Even today, many educational institutions worldwide are Church-affiliated, emphasizing moral and ethical education alongside academics.

The Church in Modern Society

In contemporary society, the Church continues to play a vital role. It offers spiritual guidance and comfort in an increasingly complex world. Moreover, many Churches are actively involved in social work and humanitarian efforts, providing aid to those in need. Despite the rise of secularism, the Church remains a significant entity, shaping societal norms and values.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Church is not without its share of controversies and criticisms. Issues such as clerical abuse, gender inequality, and the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights have sparked intense debates. These controversies have led to a call for reforms within the Church, urging it to align with modern societal values.

The Church, as an institution, has evolved over the centuries, mirroring the changes in society. It continues to be a significant presence in many people’s lives, offering spiritual solace and community support. Despite facing criticisms and controversies, the Church’s role as a social and cultural institution remains undeniable. As society progresses, the Church too will need to evolve, balancing its traditional doctrines with the changing societal norms.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Christianity
• Essay on Sports as a Career
• Essay on My Future Career

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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• Destinations

Most Beautiful Churches with Onion Domes in Moscow

Russia, to me, used to be cold, closed and, mysterious. It seemed like the country unwelcomed any outsiders and much more approachable until recent years. After my Russia trip, I don’t think the Russian is unwelcoming at all – I would say… they are just straightforward and efficient. They don’t smile, they are cool, but they are not cold-blooded. I met some of them who are helpful (but not exactly… friendly). Besides, many of them look like Asian with dark hair and dark eyes. Then I realize, of course, Russian is a Euro-Asian country and though most of its population spreads within the Europe side, most of its land lies within the Asia side. So… anyway, we joined the Moscow Free Tour and it gave us a great overview of Red Square and the nearby landmarks. Then we had to actually enter and explore the sites on our own.

About the Onion Domes

Art historians had different views about when onion domes were used in Russian churches, and some estimated that onion domes began in architecture from as early as the 13 th century. Besides, the domes existed in many different shapes, colors, and numbers that allegedly represent the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ and the Four Evangelists in different combinations. The design was also popularly believed to symbolize burning candles.  This episode is about the onion domes. They are the signature to Russian architecture, and they could be seen basically anywhere in the country. This architectural style is, in general, not exclusive to Russia but somehow the Russian made it much more adorable. Theories about how the Russian started the onion fest were diverse. Some suggested this feature was brought to Russia from Muslim countries. The domes of Byzantine churches, however, were broader and flatter (called helmet domes that looked like the shape of Hershey Kiss); the domes of Russian churches had a wider drum and a higher tip, which looked much more like an onion (so-called onion domes).

Novodevichy Convent

As an appetizer of our onion domes adventure, we ventured to the Novodevichy Convent, it’s not exactly in the historic city center but also not that far away. We took a 10-minute walk from the Sportivnaya subway station and soon the skyscrapers in the Presnensky District could be seen. The UNESCO World Heritage Site may not be as famous as the landmarks like the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, yet it has great historical value with its cloisters remained virtually intact since the 17th century, unlike others in Moscow.

The complex is so similar to the Kremlin and it’s a combination of buildings including the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk, Octagonal bell tower, and almshouses. How the houses are transformed into exhibition rooms to showcase valuable artworks. Visit the church store, I found some very nice worship items in there at a good price.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

I have written a few times about this iconic, opulent architecture in the country and so I put it on the second and just to share some of my favorite photos that I took inside the museum.

The structure consists of 8 flamboyant onion domes and each of them was originally a stand-alone church. I love the fresco of the churches so much I took some photos of the soft and colorful patterns and made it my iPhone’s wallpaper until I replaced it with Joan Carmella’s work.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

As much as the St. Basil’s Cathedral was impressive, my friends shared with me that he was actually expecting something… bigger. As a first-time traveler in Europe, he was hoping to see a cathedral with grandiose. So I brought him to the here, a rather new, but giant church built on the North bank of the Moskva River, while the Kremlin and Saint’s Basil’s Cathedral are in sight from the Patriarchy Bridge. The current church was a second built, completed in 2000, while the original was destroyed in 1931. Given that it’s a new cathedral, it was an important site of the Russian Orthodox Church. Although the cathedral is a reconstruction, the exterior of the church was decorated with life-like statues and the interior of the church has some beautiful paintings and décor that worth a visit.

Moscow Kremlin

As stated previously about the Moscow Free Tour – the Moscow Kremlin (or, the Kremlin) is one of the three “must-sees” in Moscow and I agree. “Kremlin”, as a general term, means “fortress inside a city” – a major fortified central complex. But since the Moscow Kremlin is so famous, it is always referred to as “the Kremlin”. The complex is enclosed by Kremlin walls with 18 towers, and there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and a Grand Palace within. It is the Russian White House where is opened as a museum, but also where the President of the Russian Federation lives.

The site was inhabited since the 2 nd century BC and continuously expanded as it remained the core of the country. When you are there, don’t miss the Cathedral Square, Armoury Chambers, and Alexandrovsky Garden.

From the outside of the complex, the Savior’s Tower and the Saint Nicholas Tower are the most eye-catching towers; and the ticket office is at the Trinity Tower.

The Alexandrovsky Garden is free to visit, and there are few monuments to see such as Monument to Alexander I; The Armoury Chambers is considered the best history museum in history and it has 4 exhibition times a day. The ancient museum-depository was constructed in 1844-1851.

Before I entered the Cathedral Square – I had no idea I would be overwhelmed by so much onion domes. As I turned I was surrounded by golden domes and they are all in one place. Chronically, the Assumption Cathedral was erected in 1475-1479 as a major church of the state in which all Russian Tsars were crowned; The Annunciation Cathedral was built in 1484-1489 by Pskov craftsmen. It was the home church of Moscow Great Princes and later Russian Tsars; The Church of Laying Our Lady’s Holy Robe was erected in 1484-1485, also constructed by Pskov craftsmen. It was the home church of Russian Metropolitans and later Patriarchs. The Archangel’s Cathedral was constructed in 1505-1508, and was used as a burial vault for Moscow Great Princes, Appanage Princes, and Russian Tsars; The Patriarch’s Palace and the Twelve Apostles’ Church was built 1653-1655 for Patriarch Nikon. The ground floor of the Single-column chamber is now an exhibition hall of the museum.

The tallest building in the square is The Ivan The Great Bell-Tower Ensemble . It was built in the 15 th century. Nowadays, the ground floor of the Assumption Belfry houses is an exhibition hall of the museum.

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KNYCX Journeying

Hey! I am Kenny. Since I was a kid, I was bitten by a travel bug quite seriously that I would choose a globe and atlas book for Christmas over video games. Now, the Knycx Journeying website was launched as a platform to share my passion - covering anything that interests me from history, culture, humanity, architecture, art, food, music to outdoor adventure.

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