Q: Do you need to book in advance to visit Baclayon Church?

No, Baclayon Church is a public landmark. You don’t need to secure a slot or pay to visit the church.

Q: What's the best way to see Baclayon Church?

The best way to experience Baclayon Church’s beauty is by joining a day tour that will also bring you to other churches and cultural landmarks.

Question 1

What’s the history behind the restoration of the church?

Accepted Answer

Baclayon Church was once proposed for the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, this was not pursued after a 7.2 earthquake in October 2013, which left the church with a wholly collapsed portico and a bell tower ruined. The interiors were exposed from the street.

It took more than four years until the church was fully restored. This time, the rebuilding involved a multi-million budget spearheaded by the Diocese of Tagbilaran and the National Historical Commission. They worked on a new facade and frescoes, the tower and its centuries-old bells, the three altars or retablos, and the antique pulpit and pipe organ. The Papal Nuncio officiated the Eucharistic mass for the reopening in February 2018.

Question 2

What is Baclayon Church made of?

Accepted Answer

Baclayon Church is made from coral stone and egg whites mixed as plaster. It is a simple cross-shaped building. Like many colonial churches with only limited materials and townsfolk without engineering expertise, its aesthetic was shaped by the need to rebuild disaster after disaster. These include fires, earthquakes, the invasion of American forces, and damage from World War II.

Question 3

Do you need to book in advance to visit Baclayon Church?

Accepted Answer

No, Baclayon Church is a public landmark. You don&rsquo;t need to secure a slot or pay to visit the church.

Question 4

Are there restaurants near Baclayon Church?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are plenty of restaurants near the church you can go to after attending a mass or a church visit. Some are cafes while some are full-function restaurants and bars.