Photos

The Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepcion (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception) Church is said to be the second oldest church in the country, San Agustin Church being the oldest (see my very first photo). It is also one of the best preserved Jesuit churches, although the Augustinian Recollects added a new facade in the 1800s.

The construction of the church started in 1595. Hundreds of natives were forced to build it from blocks of coral stones. Bamboos were used to move and lift the blocks in position and million of eggs to "cement" them together.

The church currently houses a museum known for its centuries-old religious relics, artifacts and other antiquities, dating back to the 16th century which include a statue of the Blessed Virgin, said to be presented by Queen Catherine of Aragon and relics of St. Ignatius of Loyola among others.