The Baclayon Church, formally known as the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, is one of the oldest churches in the country. It is usually the second stop in the Bohol Countryside Tour. (The first stop from the airport is usually the Sandugo Monument.) We initially wanted to follow the usual itinerary and visit this immediately after coming from the Sandugo Shrine but we easily noticed to buses of tourists behind us so we decided to skip it, visit it on our way to Panglao, and make it our last stop for the day.
Although Jesuit-built, the Augustinian Recollects installed a more modern facade in the 19th century. They also added a few buildings around the area surrounding it. Just beside the church is a convent. We decided to go inside the convent first before entering the church to get ahead of and avoid the other tourists at the time.
Baclayon Church bell tower
The Poor Traveler's friends playing around at the parking area of the church
Inside it is a small museum with religious artifacts and other antique items on display. Some of the interesting artifacts inside are the statue of Christ made of ivory and a statur of Virgin Mary. You can also find cuadro paintings by Liberato Gatchalian, a Filipino painter. There were also centuries-old gold ecclesiastical vestments and librettos. I’m sorry I have no pictures of these items as picture-taking wasn’t allowed.
Aside from the church’s history, one interesting thing about this church is the mysterious image of the face of a man on one of its pillars. Some say this is an image if Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Padre Pio was a Capuchin priest from Italy and in Catholic Church, is venerated as a saint.
The image of Padre Pio, which is said to have miraculously appeared on one of the pillars of the Church
They say that his image just mysteriously appeared on one of the pillars of the Baclayon Church. The connection between an Italian saint and Bohol is still unclear to me as the Poor Traveler isn’t really religious, but it sure makes this place more interesting.
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As far as I know Baclayon church was the second oldest church in the Philippines.
yeah, we saw that image during our recent trip. it was creepy and awesome at the same time.
we too saw that image, and we also have our picture taken beside the image.
We also saw that image! It’s amazing!
Wow, that was interesting! I wish I can go in there when I’m in vacation..
it is and it was d second oldest church n d philippines.my province at calape,on august24-28 we wil tor around bohol in one day.
Nice nice t0 kn0w
Is it expensive to go there ?
very nice place to go…i want to spend the rest of my days in bohol….
First church in Bicol sorsogon oragon
can you make sure that you know the difference between it’s and its before publishing?
Asus!
wow, i had been here last year butI didn’t know about that image of Padre Pio, too bad i missed it
if you love churches you can try visiting Quezon Province. It just 4 hours away from manila and traveling here would only cost you around 1500-2000. see you soon
Been in Bohol for Visita Iglesia way back 2004 and Baclayon church is one of the church we have visited. But like others, we didn’t know about the image…too bad.
Anyway, Bohol is still on the top of my list for the best destinations in the Philippines.
wow that,s a kind of picture that Ive amazed face of our Jesus Christ.
wow that,s a kind of picture that Ive amazed face of our Jesus Christ.