A quick Visit at the Santa Barbara Church and Convent
Posted by on November 23, 2009
When I went to Iloilo two weeks ago, I have planned to visit the Santa Barbara Church and Convent. This is my second time to be in this place but I still got excited when I saw its facade and the convent!
Santa Barbara is a classic example of a town which followed the orignal planning done by the Spaniards where plaza must be built on its poblacion, and around it are the town’s church and the municipio.
Unlike most of the churches in Iloilo where its is built in Baroque architectural style, the church of Santa Barbara was done in Neo Classical design. This is evidenced by the pillars on its facade.
Its facade is still intact, but sadly, its interior is already new. The old ceilings were no more there to tell its story.
Beside the church is its convento. When viewed from across the street, it simply looks like a long stretch of building. But when the convent is viewed from the other side, it reveals its true form: it is an L Shaped masterfully crafted building.
The convent is made of bricks coming from the towns of Leon, Alimodian and Tubungan. The Piedra China used on the convent was shipped from China.
What is amazing with the convent is the intricately carved woodpiece hanging out on its balcony. It was really lovely. It even looks like a fine lacework.
The church of Santa Barbara has also played a major role in Philippine History. This church has served as headquarters of Iloilo’s most noble General, Martin Delgado who valiantly fought against the Spaniards.
It was also on this place where the Philippine Flag was first hoisted outside of Luzon in a battle known as the Cry of Santa Barbara.
