14 Dec, 2008
SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH
San Agustín Church of Paoay, Ilocos Norte here in the Philippines was completed in the early 1700’s. this coral stone church exudes solidity and graceful elegance. The integration of balanced elements like windows, pilasters and ornaments in low relief – foliage, the royal emblem, rosettes, volutes and the sun symbol – have made the treatment of the facade unique. The buttresses with their spirals in relief have added refinement to the structure and stability to the structure.
Note: Thanks to James Deakin for the Photo.
It is the premier example of Philippine Earthquake Baroque, an architectural solution to the area’s challenging, natural setting. Both sides of the nave are lined with the most voluminous stone buttresses seen around the islands. They are decorated with huge scrolls, and topped by decorative pinnacles. A coralstone belltower stands a safe distance away to spare the sanctuary in case of collapse. Originally, the church roof was thatched; and it is conjectured so that buttresses not only support walls but give roof access during fire and typhoon.
The Church of San Agustin is also inscribed in the World Heritage LIst.
