Visita Iglesia in La Union

La Union was formed from union of adjacent towns of Ilocos, Pangasinan and Benguet. No wonder the heritage churches have same architecture with their mother provinces. The route is pretty straightforward. In my case, I did it from north to south.

Here is my list of heritage churches visited in the province:

1. Saint Christopher Parish

The flagship Catholic church of Bangar has a unique façade with 3 bell towers. It has an adjacent convent built on 1873. The retablos (altars) were in good state and ceiling was painted with Biblical murals.

2. Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Parish

Located across the municipal hall of Balaoan, the church as a bell tower a few meters away from the right side of the façade. It was made of bricks as seen on the outer walls behind the painted edifice.

3. Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish

Known as Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan, the heritage church of municipality of Luna is listed as National Cultural Treasure due to its unique characteristics. Made of bricks and similar to Ilocos church façades, Luna church is a piligrimage site for devotees in the region.

4. Saint Michael the Archangel Parish

The brick stone church of Bacnotan stands few meters away from the municipal hall. Built in 1787, the façade has rustic appearance of piled stones and some bricks put at the upper pediment.

5. Saint John the Baptist Parish

The brick church of San Juan is located a few meters from the national highway. The large steel bells were left displayed outside the church.

6. Cathedral of St. William the Hermit

The main cathedral of Diocese of San Fernando de La Union in City of San Fernando, it retained its original façade after World War II. It was heavily renovated inside though. 

7. Saints Peter and Paul Parish

Established in 1587 at town of Bauang. Its church bell was once lost for a century but later returned and now displayed at church grounds for townsfolk to see.

8. Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity

Located at the La Union’s oldest town, Agoo, the church was raised to Basilica Minore in 1983 and became a pilgrimage site of province’s southern part. The present church was constructed in 1976.

La Union North-South Route: Bangar-Balaoan-Luna-Bacnotan-San Juan-SFLU-Bauang-Agoo

Have a blessed trip everyone! (n_n)