North Visita Iglesia: Ilocos Sur Churches Route Suggestions

For those planning to go the northbound route to escape the searing summer sun of Manila to celebrate Holy Week, particularly Holy Thursday when Visita Iglesia practice of visiting seven churches, herewith is a suggested Visita Iglesia route and itinerary up north for your reference

From Manila going North to Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, all along or near the National Highway:

1. Tagudin Church, visit also the nearby sundials

2. Sta. Cruz Church (saw by Tutubi but didn't take photo)

3. Sta. Lucia Church


4. Candon Cathedral (St. John Sahagun Parish), buy candon calamay and chichacorn at the pasalubong stalls. (GPS Coordinates: N17° 11.603 E120° 26.93)

Candon Church's colorful interior

5. Santiago Church (St. James Parish)

6. San Esteban Church

7. Sta. Maria Church --- not to be missed due to it's being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Church, of of four Baroque Churches of the Philippines of outstanding universal value.
the church bell tower a few feet away from the main church structure

8. Narvacan Church

9. Santa Church

10. Bantay Church (San Agustin Church), picturesque belfry
the facade of San Agustin, Bantay, with a hint of romanesque architecture

11. St. Paul Cathedral and Simbaan a Bassit of Vigan City

If you're going to Pagudpud, don't forget to drop by Paoay Church, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Laoag Cathedral with the sinking belltower. You may also drop by churches of La Union, particularly the Agoo Cathedral.

Others not on Tutubi's list of Ilocos Sur catholic churches:

Alilem, Banayoyo, Burgos, Cabugao, Caoayan, Cervantes, Galimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar (Concepcion), Lidlidda, Magsingal, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino (Angaki), Salcedo (Baugen), San Emilio, San Ildefonso, San Juan (Lapog), San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Santo Domingo, Sigay, Sinait, Sugpon and Suyo