Molo Church Tours

Come along on this spiritual journey and feel refreshed and renewed after visiting the famous and historical churches around Iloilo City. If you are a fan of history and architecture and want an off-the-beaten-path escapade while in the region, then this pilgrimage tour is just what you need.  After your local tour guide picks you up from your hotel in Iloilo City, you will first visit San Joaquin Church in the town of San Joaquin. This Roman Catholic church dates back to 1869 and boasts of a militaristic theme. Its facade features an intricate carving of the Spanish victory over the Moroccan forces during the battle of Tetuan.  From there, you will go to Guimbal Church, built in 1774 and one of the oldest churches in the country. This yellow sandstone church is made from igang (adobe stones) and coral stones from Guimaras, a nearby island province. Its two-story facade is decorated with twin round pilasters adorned with floral carvings. The church also features a four-storey belfry that used to be a watchtower during the Spanish occupation against the Moro pirates. Less than seven kilometers from the Guimbal Church is Tigbauan Church, which features a Mexican facade with a seal of the Augustinian order at the center. Above it is a depiction of Saint John and an image of Santo Nino. Tigbauan Church has one of the most beautiful interiors made of stone murals including the altar and the Stations of the cross which was created by local artists of Iloilo.     Your group will then proceed to Arevalo Church where you will find the image of Santo Nino de Arevalo, one of the oldest images of Santo Nino. The image is made of wood and devotees testify of its miracles such as healing of the sick, blessing childless couples with an offspring, or saving the town from famine. There is also a tale claiming that Sto. Nino saved the town from the Moro raid.  After offering a short prayer at this church, you will stopover for a sumptuous lunch at your restaurant of choice, either Camina’s Balay na Bato, Breakthrough’s, or Tatoy’s. Once you finish your meal, you will then visit the famous Spanish-colonial Molo Church, built in 1831 with a neo-gothic style. Known as a “feminist church” because of 16 women saints perched in its aisle pillars, the church’s centerpiece is a retablo of Sta. Ana, the patron saint of Molo.  From there, you will make your way to Jaro Cathedral or Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. This baroque-style cathedral with gothic elements is home to an all-male collection of statues and the Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria or the Lady of Candles. The 400-year-old shrine of the Lady of Candles is said to be continuously growing like a living person and it is said that its glass shrine needs to be constantly adjusted because of this. The tour will end at the glorious Miag-ao Church or the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova,  famous for its artistic carved facade of St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child. The church was designated as one of the best examples of a Baroque Church in the Philippines. It is also included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Discover the religious and historical side of Iloilo with this pilgrimage tour from Iloilo City. Check availability by choosing a date.

Come along this tour and discover Iloilo City’s historic sites and other popular attractions. This half-day private sightseeing trip is perfect for anyone who wants to get a deeper insight into the city’s heritage and culture.  Your tour start starts once you are picked up from your accommodation in Iloilo City. Your tour guide will give you a  rundown of the day’s itinerary as you make your way to your first stop.  You will head first to the Iloilo City Hall for a photo opportunity. From there, you will go downtown to the streets of Iznart and General Luna. Listen as your guide discusses the significance of this commercial center dating back to the American regime.  In General Luna, you will find Casa Real, a National Historical Site that was once the old capitol building of Iloilo during the American Period. Later on, it became a Japanese concentration camp during the occupation. This landmark also serves as Kilometer Zero of the city.  Afterward, you will visit the Lopez Boat House. This sleek modern mansion is owned by former vice president Fernando Lopez. Marvel at the Art Deco-inspired architecture of this unique house. It was dubbed as a “Boathouse” because it resembles a battleship with portholes. You will now proceed to La Paz Public Market to get a glimpse of a typical day in the city. Here you can find local products and souvenirs unique to the province of Iloilo. A must-try is the authentic La Paz Batchoy, a local noodle dish with meat, garlic, and chicharon (pork rind). Enjoy a bowl of this comfort food before you proceed to your next destination. Walk along the famous Millionaire Row and see the Sanson y Montinola Antillan House. A visit to this ancestral home will give you a glimpse of how the old rich lived back in the day. Expect to see a grand staircase leading to rooms and living spaces filled with antique furniture.  You will also have a running tour to Fort San Pedro, Muelle Loney, Nelly Garden, Lizares Mansion, Megaworld Business, Iloilo Convention Center, Esplanade, and Smallville. The attractions will make you fall in love with Iloilo more. On top of that, you will go on a side trip to Jaro Cathedral and Belfry, Sinamay dealer, Molo Mansion, and Molo Church. Discover the rich history and heritage of Iloilo City by booking this private guided sightseeing tour. Check the availability by choosing a date.