Camarines Norte - Visiting the 400-year-old Vinzons Church, the Oldest Church in Camarines Norte

Established in 1611, the St. Peter the Apostle Church (also known as the Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol) in Vinzons, Camarines Norte is considered as the "oldest church in the province". The most distinguishable feature of the church is the central niche in the facade with a statue of St. Peter surrounded by an intricate frame. On the left is a 5-storey square bell tower with a cone-shape top.

The marker at the door installed by the National Historical Institure states:

SIMBAHANG SAN PEDRO APOSTOL

Pinakamatandang simbahan sa Camarines Norte. Ang bayang ito ay itinatag ng mga paring Pransiskano noong 1581 at pinangalanang Tacboan. Noong 1611 isang simbahang nasa pagtangkilik ni San Pedro Apostol ang ipinatayo ng Reb. P. Juan de Losar, ang unang kura paroko. Noong 1624 ang bayan ay inilipat sa ibang pook at tinawag na Indan. Isang bagong simbahan ang ipinatayo sa pagtangkilik pa rin ng unang patron.

noong 1636 ang bisita ng Labo ay itinatag ng mga misyonero at isinanib sa indan. Taong 1661 nang ang pangasiwaan nito ay ipinagkaloob sa kerikong sekular.

Pagkatapos ng ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig and Indan ay binigyan ng bagong pangalang Vinzons, na isinunod kay Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, ang bayani ng Kabikulan ng nakaraang digmaan.

Ang kaliwa at kanang bahagi ng kasalukuyang simbahan ay ipinagawa sa pamamagitan ng tulong ng mga nasasakupan ng parokya.

In honor of the church's role in history, it was awarded by the provincial government of Camarines Norte a "Provincial Cultural Treasure Award" in 1997.

In commemoration of the quadricentennial celebration of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in 2011, a "Porta Petri" was constructed in front of the church.

Located just within the town's poblacion, a visit to this 400-year old church in Vinzons should be part of your trip to Camarines Norte.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Land: From Manila, take bus bound for Daet, Camarines Norte. Travel time is about 8 hours and fare is around 700 pesos. From Daet, take a jeepney to Vinzons, Fare is 16 pesos and travel time is about 30 minutes.

By Air: There are no commercial flights to Camarines Norte. The nearest commercial airport is in Naga, Camarines Sur. From Manila, take and 40-minute plane ride to Naga. Then take a public van (188 pesos) or bus(around 140 pesos) to Daet, Camarines Norte, travel time is 1.5-2 hours. From there, take a jeepney to Vinzons, fare is 16 pesos and travel time is about 30 minutes.

This is part of my adventures in Camarines Norte last September 16-18, 2012. Camarines Norte, a province in Bicol Region is the 77th province on my list. I enjoyed the sights, adventures the friendliness of the people. I'm also happy to meet a good old friend who toured me around his home province. Join me as I continue my journey to visit all 80 province in the Philippines!
Map By: Wikipedia	Wenceslao Q. Vinzons Ancestral House Visiting the 400-year-old Vinzons Church, the Oldest Church in Camarines Norte Mercedes Fish Port, Cayucyucan Beach, Catandunganon River and Top Loading on a Tricycle Walking Tour around Daet, "The Gateway to Bicolandia" Riding the Waves of Bagasbas Beach, my 8th Surfing Experience! Travel Guide : Camarines Norte

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