10 Beautiful Batanes Churches You Shouldn't Miss!

Planning a Visita Iglesia in Batanes? Check out these 10 beautiful churches in Batanes!

1. Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Basco

Originally made of cogon grass roofing, this is the first (Spanish) catholic church in Batanes. Built in the early part of the 18th century, it is the first church in the province to have G.I sheet roof in the early 1890's. It's patron saint, Sto. Domingo de Guzman's feast is celebrated every August 8th. The Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion is the patron saint of the province. READ MORE HERE.

2. Tukon Chapel in Basco

This lovely chapel was inspired by the Ivatan stone houses. The church is a project of the Abad family for the communities nearby so they don't need to go to a farther church. I love its stunning interiors with beautiful paintings of saints painted by the students of the late Pacita Abad and its stained glass windows. An awesome place to have a small intimate wedding. READ MORE HERE.

3. San Carlos Borromeo Church in Mahatao

Built in 1787 under the patronage of San Carlos Borromeo, this centuries-old church is declared as a national cultural treasure by the National Museum in 2001. It is one of the 26 Spanish Colonial Era churches identified by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to be under its conservation program. READ MORE HERE.

4. San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in Imnajbu

Imnajbu is considered as the Birthplace of Christianity in Batanes. It was in the village of Imnajbu where the first holy mass on Ivatan soil was celebrated and the first baptism was administered. There is a chapel in Imnajbu commemorating the said event. Its patron saint is San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the first Filipino saint. READ MORE HERE.

5. San Jose de Obrero Church in Ivana

Just across the Honesty Coffee Shop is Ivana Church or San Jose de Obrero Church. It is more than 200 years old with a foundation that dates back to 1795. It looks like a fortress with its square bell tower built on its left side. You can climb the bell tower to have a very nice view of the sea, the port of Ivana and the island of Sabtang. READ MORE HERE.

6. San Antonio De Florencia Church in Uyugan

A small church in the town of Uyugan, it is dedicated to San Antonino de Florencia. Unfortunately, I've seen this church during my trips to Batanes, but failed to take a photo. Maybe next time.

7. San Vicente Ferrer Church in Sabtang

This century-old church is dedicated to San Vicente Ferrer. Built by the Dominicans as a small chapel in 1785, the current church is made from stones and lime built in 1844. The National Historical Institute declared the church, convent and the site of the beaterio as a "National Historical Landmark" in 2008. READ MORE HERE.

8. St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel in Savidug

This is a small chapel in the village of Savidug in Sabtang Island. Beside it is an abandoned old beaterio, a priest's house. You could enter the beaterio and have your photo taken. Just be careful as its wooden floor is not sturdy anymore. READ MORE HERE.

9. Sta. Rosa de Lima Chapel in Chavayan

The only remaining church in Batanes roofed with cogon grass. This small church in Chavayan village (Sabtang Island) is also called Sta. Rosa de Lima Chapel. READ MORE HERE.

10. Sta. Maria de Mayan Church in Itbayat

A wooden church built by Vicente Araujo used to stood in Itbayat from 1853 to 1858. In 1872, the foundation for the new stone church was laid until the last stone was placed which completed the church and finally blessed by P. Manuel Blasco, O.P. in 1888.

[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN BATANES! ]

TRAVEL TIP

• Planning a trip to Batanes? Read this practical Travel Guide on: "How to Plan a Trip to Batanes on a Budget"