SUBSCRIBESta. Maria Church, 1 - exterior
The Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion church in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, one of four of the UNESCO enscribed (1993) Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a World Heritage Site is perched up on a hill overlooking the town of Sta. Maria as well as the surrounding mountains and seas. Built at about 1765 by the Augustinians, it served as a fortress during the Philippine Revolution in 1896.
A regal structure, its facade is not as ornate as one can see, say in Paoay, another church enscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but its pinkish color from the brick used as the morning light shines on it is just beautiful. Unlike other churches, its front is quite cramped since the convent is built directly in front of it conected by a footbridge. Even with an ultrawide angle lens at 16mm full frame, one cannot even get an architecturally correct image unless postprocessing work to correct the perspective is done.
Right, the belfry is constructed a few feet from the church, a common sight in Ilocos, to protect the main building from damage in case of an earthquake.
Left, the wide flight of stairs made of piedra china leads to the church at the right while the convent is at the left. Right, the view of the town, mountains and seas as seen from the top. A very good vantage point to guard the town against marauders.
Left, the massive buttresses that line the walls of the church protects it from strong earthquakes. Right, the unusual structure at the left side of the church (facing the facade) are stone steep steps going up the roof. While the actual use is not known, it is believed that this is used to maintain the church’s roof which were once covered with cogon, a kind of native grass. Several centuries old churches have this attachment.
