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Antequera Church Bohol

Bohol is a beautiful island province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush green forests, and rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bohol is the Antequera Church, a historic and picturesque church that is a must-visit for anyone traveling to this part of the Philippines.

The Nuestra Señora del Rosario parish of Antequera was founded in 1880. The church by this date was of tabique pampango and other light material.

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Antequera Church, also known as the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Parish Church, is located in the town of Antequera, which is about 16 kilometers north of the provincial capital of Tagbilaran City. The church is an iconic landmark in the area, and it is one of the most well-preserved and beautiful churches in the entire region.

History of Antequera Church Bohol

The construction of Antequera Church began in 1808, during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. The church was built using coral stones, which were abundant in the area. The church was completed in 1876.

Over the years, Antequera Church has undergone several renovations and restorations. The most recent restoration was completed in 2018, which restored the church to its original glory. The restoration work was funded by the National Museum of the Philippines and the Antequera Municipal Government, and it was done under the supervision of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Architectural Design

Antequera Church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, which was popular during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. The church features a rectangular floor plan, with a nave, transept, and apse. The façade of the church is adorned with intricate carvings and bas-reliefs, which depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.

The church’s bell tower, which stands at 30 meters tall, is a prominent feature of the church. The bell tower is a four-story structure, with each story featuring different architectural styles. The first story is in the Baroque style, the second is in the neoclassical style, the third is in the Romanesque style, and the fourth is in the Gothic style.

Inside the church, visitors will be amazed by the beautiful interiors. The church’s nave is adorned with intricately carved wooden altars, which feature images of the saints and the Holy Family. The church’s ceiling is painted with beautiful frescoes, which depict scenes from the life of Christ.

Things to do in Antequera Church Bohol

Attend a Mass

One of the best things to do in Antequera Church is to attend a mass. The church holds regular masses throughout the week, and visitors are welcome to attend. Attending a mass is a great way to experience the local culture and to connect with the local community.

Take a Guided Tour

Visitors can also take a guided tour of the church, which will give them a deeper understanding of the church’s history and architecture. The church offers guided tours, which are conducted by knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Explore the Surrounding Area

After visiting Antequera Church, visitors can explore the surrounding area. The town of Antequera is known for its beautiful rice terraces, which are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Visitors can also explore the nearby caves, which are home to a variety of bat species.

The town of Antequera Bohol boasts of several tourist spots. One major attraction, not only in the town but in the whole province of Bohol, is the Mag-aso Falls. Another attraction is the Inambacan Falls which is near the often featured Inambacan Cave. Other karst caves worthy of a visit are: the Buhong Tiawan Cave, the Hagakgak Cave and the Antequera Cave. 

Attend a Local Festival

The town of Antequera is known for its lively and colorful festivals. The most popular festival in the area is the town fiesta. The fiesta is a week-long celebration, which features parades, street parties, and cultural performances.

Visit Nearby Attractions

There are also several nearby attractions that visitors can explore after visiting Antequera Church. Some of the most popular nearby attractions include the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and the Loboc River Cruise.

The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation located in the nearby town of Carmen. These unique hills are made up of over 1,200 conical limestone formations, which turn brown during the dry season, giving them the appearance of chocolate mounds.

The Tarsier Sanctuary, located in the town of Corella, is a protected area where visitors can see the world's smallest primates, the tarsiers. These tiny primates are nocturnal, and visitors can observe them in their natural habitat during guided tours of the sanctuary.

The Loboc River Cruise is a popular tourist activity that takes visitors on a scenic boat ride along the Loboc River. During the cruise, visitors can enjoy a buffet lunch while listening to local music and watching cultural performances.

Best time to visit Antequera Church

The best time to visit Antequera Church is during the town fiesta. The people of Antequera Bohol are deeply religious and find expression of their faith in the attendance of religious activities in the parish. The parish was founded in 1880 and dedicated to the Nuestra Señora del Rosario whose feast day is celebrated every third Sunday of October. 

The fiesta is a lively and colorful celebration, which features parades, street parties, and cultural performances. The church is also beautifully decorated during the fiesta, making it an even more beautiful sight to behold.

Visitors should also keep in mind that the Philippines is a tropical country, and the weather can be unpredictable. The best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, visitors can expect warm and sunny weather, with little to no rainfall.

How to get to Antequera Church

Antequera Church is located in the town of Antequera, which is about 16 kilometers north of Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital of Bohol. Visitors can reach the church by taking a taxi or a jeepney from Tagbilaran City. The journey takes about 30 minutes by car, and about 45 minutes by jeepney.

Antequera Church is a beautiful and historic church that is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Bohol. The church’s beautiful architecture, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to learn about the local culture and to connect with the local community. Visitors can attend a mass, take a guided tour, explore the surrounding area, attend a local festival, and visit nearby attractions after visiting the church. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, Antequera Church is a must-visit destination in Bohol.