The Paoay Church in

Ilocos Norte

http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/10458/paoay_church_ii.jpg

Under the management of the Augustinian monk Antonio Estavillon, the

construction of this, a Javanese temple reminding, majestic church started in
1694. The plan was to set up an earthquake-proof and simultaneously imposing
building in the style of the "Earthquake Baroque". In 1710, the majestic impressive
church was completed; however, already in 1793 restored and newly dedicated in
1896 as "Church of St. Agustin".
Coral stones were used for the building of the upper parts, bricks for the upper
levels. To the mortar was added sugar cane juice and sometimes leather stripes
to increase the stability of the building. The faade shows a vertical structure by
four wall columns, it is horizontally subdivided by ledges, which also orbit the
buttresses. We find tapering turrets at the top of the building. An author
formulated - they are brushing the sky- and they are lifting the heaviness of the
building. Some sculptures and relief models - flowers, snails, Cherubim and the
Augustine's coat of arms are found in the upper part of the faade.
The 26 solid pillars are spectacular. They reach in their breadth almost half the
length of the nave and are adorned with snails, floral patterns, and show turrets
likewise. Pillar stairs with rather high steps should allow the access to the roof,
which was originally covered with straw.

Another feature is the massive belltower. It is 35 meters high and the walls have a
thickness of one meter. It stands about hundred meters remote from the church
and offers an excellent view over the country. The Katipuneros, revolting against
the Spanish colonial regime, used it as a watchtower. Climbing the belltower is
almost like going back in the time, writes Roger Gaspar (3). It is reported that due
to its heaviness it is gradually sinking deeper into the ground. In the past, riders
still have ridden by the tower gate. Today that seems to be impossible.
The church door is provided with a wrought-iron filigree decoration. Going inside
we see a very simple -- if not even dreary -- church interior with some saint
pictures and a simple wooden altar cross. Originally, the nave had a painted wood
ceiling. It was removed in earlier time and today only rafters and a rusting roof can
be seen.

http://www.reneguidote.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Paoay-5d.jpg

Undoubtedly, the Paoay Church was neglected in the past with regard to its
historical substance. This fact becomes also evident by the strong green and
bush vegetation, which can be seen in current publications. However, after the
church was declared as World Cultural Heritage, first steps for the preservation of
the church have been starting in 2000. The catalogue of measurements includes
among other things a seismic expertise, rip and stone mending and cleaning
works, i.e.. the removal of vegetation. Because of possible concussions the traffic
is now diverted nearby the church, too. These remarks brings us to the general
question about the present state of preservation and restoration of the old
churches in the country.