Bohol Churches

BACLAYON CHURCH
Baclayon -- 6 km from Tagbilaran City: The oldest stone-church in the Philippines was built by the Jesuits in 1595. Its ancient massive edifice still retains its centuries-old architectural design. Church relics and artifacts from this early period can be viewed at the adjacent museum.


DAUIS CHURCH
Dauis -- 3 km from Tagbilaran City: One of Bohol's most beautiful churches, its semi-modern facade still retains the original Spanish architecture. The interior has lifelike murals painted on the ceiling.

The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers and is the object of veneration particularly during its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the town folk locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of provisions and water. Suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for people living in the church vicinity. The water is, surprisingly, absolutely fresh even though the well is located a short distance from the sea.

FATIMA HILL
Carmen -- 55 km from Tagbilaran City: The venerated image of Our Lady of Fatima stands on a hill with concrete stairs. A pilgrimage to the hill is celebrated every 13th of May by the faith full.

ILIHAN HILL
Jagna --54 km from Tagbilaran City: Ilihan Hill has become a religious site for pilgrimages by the faithful. It is located about 4 km from Jagna town by winding road. It overlooks the Sea of Mindanao and the evening vista is beautiful. On top of the hill is the image of the Barangay Sang Birhin where a chapel has been in her honor.

LOON CHURCH
Loon -- 25 km from Tagbilaran City: This ancient church is connected to Napo, the former seat of the town, by 154 stone steps believed to be the longest stairway in the country and a reminder of Spanish forced labor.