5 Heritage Churches in Pampanga That You Must Visit

July 19, 2021September 14, 2022 Rex Lim Lim BLOG, CHURCH, churches, ITINERARY, must visit in pampanga, pampanga, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL, where to go

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Churches in Pampanga are definitely one of a kind. But first of all, I am not religious.

But visiting churches is free, open during Sundays, and have lots of stories to tell if you just look close enough.

Temples may arguably be the architectural icons of Asia in particular, but heritage churches on the other hand is uniquely Filipino.

As an avid traveler, I always make it to a point to visit a local church since it gives me a glimpse of the traditions that is normally not on display.

I have come to realize that these engineering marvels have been around the 16^th to 18^th century, whereas professional architects and engineers only arrived in the Philippines by the start of the 19^th century.

Moreover, each one of them are built by friars/priests and locals based on the unique materials available and the topography of the region.

Undated photo of Spanish Friars in Malate Church

As the pandemic restricted us from moving around, and having spent 6 years in Pampanga, I never come to realize how Cabalens did a good job in constructing and preserving their heritage structures.

So here goes my list of 5 must visit heritage churches in Pampanga!

1. Santa Lucia Parish Church – Sasmuan, Pampanga

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This is an NSFW town in Pampanga – called Sexmoan. The fishport? Well, it was then called as Sex Fishport.

This is the town’s former Spanish name and was changed to Sasmuan in 1991, from the Kapampangan word “Sasmo” which means to meet.

Church and town plaza 1968 (Photo from municipalityofsasmuan.webs.com/tourism)

Why is Sasmuan Church Unique?

Sasmuan, Pampanga is one of the oldest and major settlements in the province, thus the church was one of the Roman Catholic churches built by the Spaniards during the 17^th century

This is the only church in the country, whose single belfry is situated between the church and the convent, this is due to the structure situated near the river

2. San Guillermo Parish Church – Bacolor Pampanga

The town of Bacolor is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines and was once the capital of the country during the 18^th century British invasion.

Originally constructed by Augustinian Friars in 1576, the original structure got destroyed by an earthquake in 1880 and was rebuilt in 1886.

Why is Bacolor Church Unique?

The church is designed in the advanced stage of Baroque and Rococo architecture

It was half buried in lahar by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo of 1991, out of the 12-meter high (39ft) structure, only 6 meters was spared, and the church window now acts as the main door

It is the main venue for the ABS-CBN show “May Bukas Pa” where a boy named Santino used to talk to Bro and was granted miraculous healing powers

3. San Agustin Parish Church – Lubao, Pampanga

This church is constructed in 17^th century Baroque and Neo-Classical architecture.

Photo from Saint Augustine Parish – Lubao FB Page

Completed in 1638, Lubao Church was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2013.

Why is Lubao Church Unique?

This is not just the oldest church in Pampanga, but is considered as largest Augustinian Church in Central and Northern Luzon
In addition, original bricks used in the construction of Lubao Church was infused with sand and egg albumen

4. St. James the Apostle Parish Church – Betis, Guagua, Pampanga

Betis is named after an indigenous tree, thus “Vitis” in Loarca’s Relacion (1582). The town has been always known for their excellent wood carvers or mandudukits.

Betis Church circa1932 (Photo from Archdiocesan Committee on Church Heritage – Pampanga)

Moreover, the Betis Carvers are the ones commissioned in the construction of Tumauini Church in Isabela, another National Cultural Treasure.

Completed in 1770, Betis Church is declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.

Why is Betis Church Unique?

The Earthquake Baroque architecture of the church, is designed like a fortress in Spanish and Latin American with a hint of indigenous architecture

This church is dubbed as the Sistine Chapel of the Philippines due to the extensive and majestic murals from the ceiling, walls and the altar

Outside the Church, there’s the Betis artesian well. This is the oldest deep well in Pampanga (Built 1886-1894)

5. Santa Monica Parish Church – Minalin, Pampanga

“Minalis la ding dutung, minalis ya ing pisamban” (The lumber moved, so must the church).

Photo from viewsfromthepampang.blogspot.com

After a flood swept the lumbers needed for the construction of the church in the late 16^th century, the original location of the church was also moved. Thus, the name of the town of Minalin.

Completed in 1764, Minalin Church is declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.

Why is Minalin Church Unique?

This is the only church in the country with its four Capillas Posas (corner chapels) still intact on all corners of the church patio. Peninsulares during the Spanish invasion were the only ones allowed to enter the church, while the Capillas Posas are intended for the use of Indios.

The Baroque church has a giant retablo like facade which is a rarity. In addition, it depicts Augustinian saints and pre-hispanic ornamentations

Moreover, the two belfry towers, which depicts Moorish architecture, houses the oldest bells in Pampanga

Every time I drop by a church, I just sit there and appreciate a few minutes of silence. In this world smitten with distractions, these places are often overlooked as places where you can bend your head and reflect on your day.