Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, Bantayan
Bantayan Church
One of the oldest parishes in the Philippines, with a 19th-century coral-stone church and bell tower. Its Holy Week procession is spectacular.
The Bantayan parish was founded in 1580 and is one of the earliest Catholic parishes in the Philippines. It once governed northern Cebu and surrounding islands. The existing church was built of coral stone between 1839 and 1863. Its façade is simple and old-fashioned, with a square bell tower beside it. In front of the church is a town plaza shaded by large trees, and remnants from the Spanish era survive nearby. Every Holy Week, the island's most elaborate float procession takes place here, drawing large numbers of devotees and visitors. Entry to the church is free. During Mass, please keep quiet and dress modestly. The church stands in the center of Bantayan town, about 11 km from San Francisco. A motorized tricycle takes about 20 minutes. You can also stop by the nearby public market.
Opening hours
Open by day; please do not disturb during Mass
Nearby sights
- Bantayan Public Market
- Obo-ob Mangrove Garden
- Paradise Beach
- Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort
- Ogtong Cave
- Sugar Beach
- Virgin Island
- Kota Beach