The Baclayon Church, just six kilometres away from Tagbilaran City, Bohol. It is the second oldest stone church in the Philippines and a landmark in the country’s history. Constructed in 1595 by the Jesuit priests, it is still intact and houses important relics and images reminiscent of the historic Roman Catholic religion in the country. The construction of the Baclayon Church required two hundred native labourers who were forced to do the work. These artisans hauled coral stones from the sea, then skillfully cut them into square blocks, lifted the work using bamboo to move the stones into position, and piled them like bricks. About a million egg whites were used to cement the cut coral stones together. This was a testament to the great skill of these native artisans. It was completed in 1727 and a large bell was added in 1835. The church building had a dungeon where violators of Roman Catholic Law were punished.

Have a comment on this article? Send us your feedback