Are you a fan of historical landmarks and cultural heritage sites? Then the St. Anthony of Padua Church -a magnificent 163-year-old church built by Franciscan missionaries is a must-visit destination for you. This stunning church located in Sto. Domingo, Camaligan, Camarines Sur boasts an impressive 4,000 sqm structure size, making it a sight to behold for anyone who visits.
The church's arched doors and windows showcase the influence of baroque architecture, while its trusses are made of local hardwood trees like hamorawon, yakal, barayong, and sambulawan. The walls are plastered with a unique mixture of thousands of egg whites and lime, and the red bricks used were a mix of ashes made from freshwater clam, straw, and clay. The roof is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, made from anahaw leaves clipped with bamboo slits. On the façade is an inscription in Spanish and on top was a concavity which used to have a statue of its patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua.
According to the parish priest, Fr. Balbino B. Gumabao Jr., the church's original design has been preserved, with only a few interior renovations made since its construction in 1857.
As you step inside the St. Anthony of Padua Church, you'll be greeted by a stunning altar piece called the retablo. Here, a magnificent statue of St. Anthony of Padua stands proudly in the center. The floors are made of luxurious marble, while the pews are crafted from sturdy hardwood. According to church records, the interior of the church is "beautifully designed," including the choir’s mezzanine floor that's made up of hardwood and held up by two rounded stone posts located just after the main door.
Records describe the church's past interiors as having
two elevated pulpits on each side of the wall facing each other halfway to the
main altar, and a communion rail made of iron ingot with beautiful Gothic
design. Although the mezzanine and pulpits have been removed, the rest of the
church's interiors have been preserved with utmost care, still exhibiting the
same grandeur and magnificence.
Admire the beauty and history of this architectural
masterpiece that has stood the test of time. With its beautifully landscaped
exterior of trees and flowering plants, and breathtakingly preserved interior,
St. Anthony of Padua Parish Church is truly a perfect place to find solace.
Looking for more information about
the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Church? Check out the article '157-yr-old
church endures in Camarines Sur' on Inquirer. Or if you want to know their latest mass schedules and want to stay
updated, you may visit their Facebook page or find them on Google Maps.
Note: As part of my work with the Municipality of Camaligan, one of my recent projects was to compile a list of tourist spots in the area that could be visited by both locals and visitors. This blog post serves as a digital version of that project, which will also be posted on the municipality's website to provide information to citizens about the various attractions in their region.
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