Bantay Church Bell Tower is still part of our Explore Travel sa Norte Bai. After visiting the two heritage churches which are the Vigan Cathedral of Ilocos Sur and the Paoay Church of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, our next church destination is the St. Augustine Church also known as Bantay Church and Bell Tower located at Bantay Ilocos Sur. Bantay Church serves as the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de La Caridad, the Queen of Ilocandia. This church is not part of Vigan but it became popular with travelers and tourists to visit this cathedral church due to its historical and cultural significance, Upon entering the City Heritage of Vigan you will see this church along the highway.
According to history, this church is one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur, The bell tower was built in 1590 and the church was built in 1591. Did you know that this St. Augustine Church was originally made of bamboo and cogon structure by Bantay residents to house the miraculous Image of Our Lady of Charity?
Visiting this Heritage church of Bantay has two options to get there from Vigan, one could easily reach Bantay Chuch either via tricycle or kalesa which approximately 10-15 minutes.
Beside St. Augustine Church is the famous Belltower with a beautiful landscape hill a perfect view for a postcard. Like others, the Spanish used this bell tower as a watchtower during World Wars I and II against invading enemies. This Belltower is the witness to Philippine History on how our country changes and transfers.
If you visit Ilocos Region don’t forget to drop by or visit one of the oldest churches in the Philippines the Bantay Church and Bell Tower.