Baclayon Church
One of the Philippines' oldest stone churches, built of coral stone in the 18th century, with a religious museum inside.
The Immaculate Conception Church in Baclayon is in a seaside town about 6 km east of Tagbilaran. Jesuit missionaries established a mission here in 1596, and the present church was completed in 1727. Its walls are built from coral blocks bound with a mortar mixed with egg white, making it one of the oldest surviving stone churches in the Philippines. It is designated a national cultural treasure. The 7.2-magnitude earthquake of 2013 caused the bell tower and porch to collapse, and the church reopened after years of restoration. Inside, you'll find an elaborate altar and paintings. The adjacent convent museum holds Spanish-era religious statues, silverware and old music scores. Entry to the church is free, and the museum charges a small fee. Dress modestly, covering your knees, and keep quiet. Getting there: follow the east coast road from Tagbilaran. It's a stop of about 30 minutes on the way to Loboc. Nearby is the Blood Compact Shrine, which commemorates the 1565 blood pact between the Spanish explorer Legazpi and the local chief.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Blood Compact Shrine
- Dauis Church
- National Museum Bohol Area Museum
- Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
- Bohol Bee Farm
- Hinagdanan Cave
- Loboc River Cruise
- Loboc Church