Thursday, July 8, 2010

The Lost Jewel

WOW! Hindi ko alam na meron nagkaron pala tayo ng ganitong simbahan sa pinas! Stunning!


Feels like Europe right? This is the old Oton church of Ilo-ilo. One of the architectural achievements of the colonial period. In a form of a Greek cross, it is one of its kind in the country as it was the only one with such a plan and architecture blending Byzantine with Gothic and classical elements. This structure that would have been one of the most majestic churches of the country was spared during the second world war, but it was destroyed by an earthquake in January 1948. So sad that it has never been rebuilt.


Its interior reminds me of Old English churches which chairs are arranged horizontally aligned with the side walls. I didn't know why those chairs aren't facing the altar...weird. Hehe. Interesting that we once had this kind of church architecture that I only seeing in classic english movies such as the "Shadowlands". I dreamt of such jewel standing on our own land. Not as a "copycat" of western architecture, but a symbol of our glorious past.

1 comment:

MikeS said...

Wow !!! I love it.It is really true that once we have the most beautiful church in Pinas.Look at that architecture.Something we must be proud of.And now it's only in our dreams to have this kind church to have again in the future.

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