5 Heritage Landmarks in Siquijor

So,  I was able to enjoy the natural attractions of Siquijor Island. But apart from its beaches, waterfalls, springs, and other natural beauties, Siquijor is also rich in history, with a number of heritage churches sprawled across the six municipalities of the island.




It was under Spanish rule during the 16th century. Agustinian Recollects and other religious groups helped established the various parishes in Siquijor.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

Upon arrival at the Siquijor port, the St. Francis of Assisi Church is there to welcome visitors and returning locals.

St. Francis of Assisi Church
The St. Francis of Assisi Church or Siquijor Church welcomes travelers to the island.

Often called as the Siquijor Church, the St. Francis of Assisi parish was established by secular priests on February 1, 1783 with St. Francis of Assisi as their patron. It was turned to Recollect priests in 1793. A secular lay, P. Setten, began the construction of the stone structure, under the supervision of P. Alonso de los Dolores from 1795 to 1831. A convent was also built to hide people to defend the island from pirates.

St. Francis of Assisi Church
The church up close.

There was a mass going on when we visited the church so I wasn’t able to get photos of its interiors. The church is made of coral stone and has undergone renovations and rehabilitations in the past. At the door, by the end of the arch, was a carved figure of a lion.

St. Francis of Assisi Church
The church’s facade.
St. Francis of Assisi Church
A relief carving of a lion. Or is that another animal?

A few meters from the church is the bell tower, built on an elevated portion, which said to also doubled as a watch tower.

St. Francis of Assisi Church
The bell tower.

San Agustin Church

Right in the town of San Juan, the southwestern part of the island, is the San Agustin Church, often called as the Macapilay Church. It overlooks the Capilay Spring Park, at the heart of San Juan.

San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church in San Juan, Siquijor.
San Agustin Church
Capilay Spring Park as seen from the church grounds.

It’s a century old parish, having been part of the Siquijor parish before it became an independent parish in 1863. The church itself looks new but the belfry shows evidence of many years of history and wear and tear.

San Agustin Church
The bell tower, in a hexagonal shape.

Since we stayed at the town of San Juan, we went to San Agustin Church to attend to the Holy Thursday proceedings and the Easter Vigil Mass. I’ve never really explored the church that much.

San Agustin Church
Attending mass at the San Agustin church.

San Isidro Labrador Church

Among the churches that we visited in Siquijor Island, this one is by far the most impressive to me. The San Isidro Labrador church is located in the town of Lazi, near the coast. It has wide grounds with old trees lining up its street. It has beautiful relief designs on its façade.

San Isidro Labrador Church
San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi, Siquijor.

The description at the church states that the parish was established by Agustinian Recollects in 1857. The church was built on coral stones and wood and was finished by local artisans in 1884.

San Isidro Labrador Church
The inscription about the church.
San Isidro Labrador Church
Beautiful carving at the facade of the church.

The church’s interiors are aged, with some of the wooden floor tiles already getting detached from the pavement. The baptistery was also spectacular, with a painting of Jesus being baptized by John.

San Isidro Labrador Church
The baptistery.

Interestingly, atop the summit of the church’s main roof was an icon. It must be of San Isidro Labrador, the patron of the parish.

San Isidro Labrador Church
The church’s interiors.
San Isidro Labrador Church
The altar.
San Isidro Labrador Church
An icon atop the roof of the church.

San Isidro Labrador Convent

Across the San Isidro Labrador Church is the San Isidro Labrador Convent. Construction started in 1887 and was inaugurated in 1891.

San Isidro Labrador Convent
The San Isidro Labrador Convent across the church.

With an area of 42 by 38 meters, the convent is one of the largest in the country. When we explored the convent, it looked like it’s being used as a school.

San Isidro Labrador Convent
The arches of the convent.
San Isidro Labrador Convent
A classroom setting inside the convent.
San Isidro Labrador Convent
The spacious interiors of the convent.

There was also a museum inside the convent but photos were not allowed inside. Paintings, icons, and other religious paraphernalia and documents could be found in the museum.

San Isidro Labrador Convent
The museum inside the convent. No picture-taking please.

Our Lady of Divine Providence Church

Located in the town of Maria, the Our Lady of Divine Providence Church  was built in 1887. The church looks old save for the portico at the entrance that was painted in white and blue. The entrance doors also have the 10 commandments carved on them. Interestingly, the belfry was hexagonal in shape.

Our Lady of Divine Providence Church
Our Lady of Divine Providence Church in Maria, Siquijor.
Our Lady of Divine Providence Church
The belfry.

Inside the church, the way of the cross are painted on the upper walls as murals. Once you enter the church, face the wall instead of the altar and you will see a huge mural of the church.

Our Lady of Divine Providence Church
The church interiors facing the altar.
Our Lady of Divine Providence Church
When you face the main door, you will find these huge murals on the wall.

There was also a statue of Saint Rita of Cascia and a story of her life.

Our Lady of Divine Providence Church
Saint Rita of Cascia.

I have observed that most of these churches have nets or rope curtains on its doors. We figured that it must be to ward off birds. Some of them have already made these churches as their homes.

San Isidro Labrador Church
Rope curtains.
Our Lady of Divine Providence Church
Birds outside the church.

The heritage structures are some of Siquijor’s treasures. We were blessed to have visited them on a holy week. It is important that we preserve them. For visitors, let us make sure that we do not damage any of the structures. For locals, let us be guardians of our heritage gems to ensure that our children and our children’s children will still be able to enjoy their beauty and relive the stories they have left behind. We must all work together in safeguarding these historical structures in Siquijor.



16 Comments

  1. This place reminds me of the island St. Lucia that I visited 2 years ago. It looks so beautiful here and those churches I’m sure there’s a lot of history there.

  2. I always try to discover the heritage landmarks of the cities I visit – as I try to discover a place from multiple points of view. it looks like Siquijor has a lot to offer! Lovely photos as well – I simply have to add this 😉

  3. Siquijor’s natural attractions looked fabulous in your earlier post and totally filled me with awe. Now this??!!!! Wow. I’m speechless!!

  4. How did you do your Visita Iglesia in Siquijor? Is it like Bohol where there are package tours to take you to all the important tourist spots on the islands, including old churches?

    • We did this on our own. We hired a tricycle driver to take us around the island. He gave us a map as a guide and he also gives his own inputs, but it was flexible based on our preferred destination. However, he said he was familiar of the coastline. He was hesitant to go to the central part, the mountainous area, where the Healing Festival of all the healers from Visayas and Mindanao was taking place at that time.

  5. I loved these pictures! I would have loved to the the interiors of the church made with coral stones. I love when countries keep and preserve their heritage landmarks.

  6. ive not heard of siquijor before. the attractions looks amazing and something i would be into

  7. Elizabeth O.

    That’s amazing! I love old churches, it’s good to know that the locals are making an effort to maintain them. My favorite would be the second church, San Agustin!

  8. Beautiful pictures! I’ve never been to Siquijor but a lot of my batch mates just love going there. I now know why. I just love how old and preserved the churches are. You don’t see too many of those here in the US. Lots of rich history there. I would love to explore this place myself some day. Thanks for sharing.

  9. Another gem in philippines apart from beaches and i love heritage landmarks they are wonderful to capture.

  10. It is such a pleasure to visit historical landmarks. They are a part of our being. Great photos.

  11. Oh, my friends came from Siquijor just recently. The place looks awesome. I like the view of Capilay spring park.

  12. They have really a lot of old and beautiful churches. You really get to admire the heritage in its walls and appreciate the beauty within.

  13. Thanks for introducing Siquijor to me. Its my first time come across such place. I like the classic and originality on all their architecture. A lovely place and peaceful too.

  14. Leke Awonuga

    So good to learn about Siquijor. Obviously, the Philippines are blessed with beautiful beaches of memorable antecedents. I wonder how I’d feel like witnessing the place in reality!

  15. These landmarks in Siquijor are so beautiful! So many beautiful underrated places in the Philippines! 😀

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