Molo Church Tours

Come along this spiritual journey and feel refreshed and renewed after visiting the famous and historical churches around Iloilo City. After your local tour guide picks you up from your hotel in Iloilo City, you will first visit San Joaquin Church. The church is a Roman Catholic church built in 1869 which boasts a militaristic theme. Its facade features an intricate carving of the Spanish victory over the Moroccan forces during the battle of Tetuan.  Next, 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 adobe stones called igang and coral stones from Guimaras, a nearby island province from Iloilo. Its two-story facade is decorated with twin round pilasters adorned with floral carvings. Its four-storey belfry used to be a watchtower during the Spanish occupation against the Moro pirates. After that, 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 that are perched in its aisle pillars that you will see from the inside. The centerpiece of the church is a retablo of Sta. Ana, the patron saint of Molo.  You will have your sumptuous lunch at your choice among Camina’s Balay na Bato, Breakthrough’s, or Tatoy’s. Afterward, you will go to the Tigbauan Church, which features a Mexican facade with a seal of the Augustinian order at the center. Above it is a depiction of San Juan and an image of Santo Nino. It 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 offspring, or saving the town from famine. There is also a tale claiming that Sto. Nino saved the town from the Moro raid.   After that, you will go 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 and 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. Join this spiritual journey and a little side trip to history on this one day Pilgrimage Tour of Iloilo City. Check availability by choosing a date above.

Come along this tour that will take you to Iloilo City’s historic sites and other popular attractions. This half-day sightseeing trip is perfect for those who want to get a deeper insight of the city’s heritage and culture.  You will be picked up from your accommodation in Iloilo City. Your tour guide will give a rundown of the day’s itinerary as you make your way to your first stop.  Head 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.  Afterwards, you will visit the Lopez Heritage House. Bask in its grandeur, as this site is a National Historical Landmark and dubbed as the Queen of Heritage Houses in Iloilo. This mansion shows the extravagant lifestyle of the province’s rich during the American Colonial Period.  Head next 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 dish of noodles, mixed meat, garlic, and chicharon. 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.  Discover the rich history and heritage of Iloilo City by booking this private guided sightseeing tour. Check availability by choosing a date above.