Baclayon: Baclayon Church and Museum

Photo: StoicPassion

The town of Baclayon is famous for its Catholic church, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, with construction commencing in 1717, the year Baclayon became a parish, and was finally completed in 1727.

Photo: Artkitekto

The church, made from coral stone cut from the sea by a workforce of over 200 laborers, still retains its centuries old architectural design and is considered the best preserved in the region. It is an important part of both Boholano and Filipino heritage, being declared in 1994 as a National Historic Treasure.

Photo: Artkitekto

The relics of antiquity found in the church, which date back to the early 16th century includes crystal chandelier, brightly colored window panes, life-size religious images, carved altars with gold embossing, and a silver tabernacle. The nation's third oldest pipe organ, installed in 1824 and tenderly restored in 2008 by the Ayala Foundation, is also found inside the church.

Photo: BEZO Initiatives

Housed inside the old convent adjacent to the church is the museum, with other centuries-old stone buildings such as the belfry, hermita and elementary school also nearby.

Photo: StoicPassion

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday
8.30am - 11.45am, 1.30pm - 4.45pm (11.45am - 1.30pm CLOSED)

Sunday
9.30am - 11.45am, 1.30pm - 4.15pm (11.45am - 1.30pm CLOSED)

Price

Entry into the Baclayon Church is FREE
Entry into the church museum is Php 50 per person.

(Source: Baclayon Tourism Information and Activity Center website)