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ARGAO CHURCH: Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel

Argao Church by Constantine Agustin via Wikimedia cc

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ARGAO CHURCH: Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel

Argao Church: A Historical and Cultural Landmark in Cebu, Philippines

Argao Church, also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel, is a historic Roman Catholic church in Argao, Cebu, Philippines. This beautiful church is one of the country’s oldest and most fascinating structures, with a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era.

Argao Church By Constantine Agustin from Manila, Philippines – Argao Cebu, CC BY-SA 2.0, cc

The church was established as a parish in 1703 under the Augustinian order and became a mother parish of Carcar. Its construction began in 1734 and was completed in 1788, making it a Baroque Rococo structure. The church’s impressive dimensions include a length of 72 meters, a width of 16 meters, and a height of 10 meters. It is a testament to the skill and dedication of the builders who constructed it with great sincerity and proficiencies.

Argao Church is not only a religious site but also a cultural and historical landmark that attracts visitors from all over the world. Its stunning architecture, intricate designs, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Philippine culture and history.

History of Argao Church

The municipality of Argao was established as a parish in 1703 under the Augustinian order, and the church is said to be one of the oldest churches in the province of Cebu.

The exact date of construction of the church is disputed, but it is believed to have been constructed in the 1780s during the Spanish colonial era. The church was built by Fr. Mateo Perez, a priest responsible for constructing other churches in the region. The church was partly damaged during a typhoon in 1876, but it was later restored and declared a National Historical Landmark in 1998.

NHCP historical marker for Argao Church by Carlo Joseph Moskito via Wikimedia cc
NHCP historical marker for Argao Church by Carlo Joseph Moskito via Wikimedia cc

The church measures 72 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 10 meters high. It features a mix of Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles, with intricate carvings and details on its facade. Inside the church, visitors can admire the murals on the ceiling, which were done by some of the country’s best painters.

Argao Church has played an important role in the religious and cultural history of the region. It served as the mother parish of Carcar during the Spanish colonial era and continues to be an important religious center in the region today. Fr….

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