Visita Iglesia in Isabela

Isabela was created from adjacent towns of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya provinces. Because of this, the heritage churches of northern and southern towns of Isabela have the same architecture, such that the facades display a pattern, as you’ll see in this post.

Here is my list of visited churches in Isabela, as continuation of my Cagayan list:

1. Saint Paul the Apostle Parish 

 This church in San Pablo is the oldest in Isabela and has the tallest bell tower in Cagayan Valley. From the highway, you won’t miss this lofty structure. With closer look, it seems that it was abandoned, due to the fact that most church embellishments, statues and other ornaments were transferred to the new town of Cabagan as ordered by former Spanish missionary during 19^th century. But this didn’t stop the ruins from being saved from total damage. Instead, the half part of church interior was roofed and still used as a bastion of faith, catering the people of San Pablo.

2. Saint Paul the Apostle Parish 

This relatively new town of Cabagan has the same patron saint as of town of San Pablo. A modern brick church stands at one side of the Cabagan Park.

3. Saint Matthias Parish

This artistic brick church of Tumauini is a National Cultural Treasure due to its distinct design. The cake-like bell tower complements with the rounded brick façade. It stands proudly at the adjacent town plaza. Few walks from the highway will lead you to this amazing church.

4. Saint Ferdinand III of Castille Parish

The church of Ilagan City is located at Centro or the town center. This is the former cathedral of Diocese of Ilagan, until a new and bigger one was erected at the highway in Gamu. The interior was renovated but the bell tower was somehow built a long time ago.

5. Cathedral of Saint Michael

This new cathedral at Gamu has a pinkish façade with lots of stained glass windows. You won’t miss this structure on your way to Ilagan City. The wide interior has paintings of the foundation of the diocese and bits of history of Isabela.

6. Saint Rose of Lima Parish

Gamu’s heritage church stands opposite the town hall. The brick façade has similarity with churches below, as this town was formerly part of the province of Nueva Vizcaya.

7. Our Lady of the Pillar Parish

The church of Cauayan City looks like Gamu’s, with pot-like tops at its pediment.

8. Our Lady of Atocha Parish

Same goes with the previous two churches, Alicia’s church has the same pattern in its brick façade. This is the home of the miraculous Our Lady of Atocha.

9. Saint James the Apostle Parish

A relatively new structure, Santiago City’s name takes it from their patron saint, Saint James or Santiago in Spanish. It is located at the city road.

ISABELA Route (North to South):
San Pablo-Cabagan-Tumauini-Ilagan City-Gamu-Cauayan City-Alicia-Santiago City