Molo Church
Visayas Region
Molo Church, officially known as Santa Ana Parish Church, is a Spanish neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church located in the Molo district of Iloilo City, Philippines. Constructed initially in 1831, it showcases Gothic-Renaissance Revival architecture characterized by rough stone façades, pointed arches, and twin towers adorned with spires. The church is renowned as the "women's church" or "feminist church" due to its distinctive interior featuring sixteen statues of female saints lining both sides of the altar, including Saint Anne, the patroness of Molo. Inside, visitors find three naves, four wooden side altars, a single high altar, and two ornately decorated wooden pulpits. Historically, the church served as an evacuation center during World War II and suffered damage, including the loss of one tower, which was later restored. Declared a national landmark in 1992, it stands as the only Gothic church in the Philippines outside Metro Manila, attracting visitors for its architectural beauty and cultural heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Molo Church is during weekdays to avoid crowds and to appreciate the serene atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to explore the church's unique collection of female saint statues and the wooden pulpits. While entrance is generally free, donations are appreciated to support maintenance. Booking guided tours in advance may enhance the experience, especially for those interested in the church's history and architecture.
Zajímavosti
- •Molo Church is known as the "women's church" because it features only female saints inside, a unique trait in the Philippines.
- •It is the only Gothic church outside Metro Manila in the Philippines.
- •Dr. Jose Rizal visited Molo Church in 1886, impressed by its biblical paintings which are no longer present.
- •The church served as an evacuation center during World War II and was damaged during the liberation of the Philippines.
- •The façade features Gothic-Renaissance Revival elements, including two towers with numerous spires and pointed arches.
Historie
Molo Church was first constructed in 1831 under Fray Pablo Montaño using tabique pampango and a chalk roof.
Plans for a more durable concrete structure were approved in 1869 and completed in 1888 under Fray Agapito Buenaflor.
The church is historically notable for its visit by Philippine national hero Dr.
Jose Rizal in 1886.
During World War II, it served as an evacuation center but suffered damage in 1945, including the destruction of one tower.
Restoration efforts were led by Rev.
Manuel Alba post-war.
In 1992, the church was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute.
Průvodce po místě
High Altar and Reredos1888
The high altar houses the statue of Saint Anne, the church's patroness, along with statues of the Blessed Virgin and the Holy Trinity, serving as the focal point of worship.
Statues of Sixteen Female Saints1888
Two rows of sixteen statues of female saints line both sides of the altar, including notable saints such as St. Cecilia, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Agnes of Rome, emphasizing the church's dedication to female spirituality.
Wooden Pulpits1888
The church features two intricately decorated wooden pulpits used for delivering sermons, showcasing craftsmanship and adding to the interior's aesthetic.
Façade and Twin Towers1888
The church's façade is constructed from rough stone, highlighting Gothic-Renaissance Revival elements with twin towers adorned with spires and pointed arches, making it architecturally distinctive in the region.
Kontakt
Telefon: (033) 337 2258