Information about St. Augustine Parish

St. Augustine Church

Photo by Saint Augustine Parish - Panglao

The St. Augustine Church is noteworthy for its artistic, historical, and cultural significance for Panglao Island in Bohol. Known locally as Panglao Church, its patron saint is St. Augustine, whose feast day is commemorated every year on August 28. St. Augustine Church’s façade is inspired by neoclassical architecture and includes the typical portico with Corinthian columns. Above the main entrance is the choir loft, but the church’s most interesting features are its twin wooden antique confessionals carved with grapevine, flower, and dove patterns, as well as its ceiling murals depicting the Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church.

A 5-story bell tower built out of cut stone in 1851 and covered by a pitched roof stands to the rear of the original church’s ruins. The centuries-old watchtower is said to be the tallest in the Philippines.

How to get there

The St. Augustine Parish Church sits at the western end of Panglao Island, close to Panglao Bay. It is about 22 KM from Tagbilaran City. If you're coming from the city, you can take a car across Borja Bridge and continue onto the Dauis - Panglao Road until you reach the end. You will then turn right onto the Panglao Circumferential Road and will soon find the church on your left.

Best time to visit

The St. Augustine Church is open to visitors all year round and still holds masses daily. Tourists who are interested in participating in the feast day events should go here on August 28 to see the town-wide festivities.