Miagao Church

Top choice in Iloilo


Built between 1787–97, this impressive church, with its striking pyramidal towers, served as a fortress against Muslim raiders. Damaged over the years by fighting, fire and earthquakes, it was finally restored to its rococo glory in 1962, and is now a a Unesco World Heritage site. The fabulous bas-relief sandstone facade depicts St Christopher strolling through a tropical forest of coconut palms and papaya trees with baby Jesus.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Iloilo attractions

1. St Anne's Church

21.36 MILES

This historic neo-Gothic church is interestingly sometimes referred to as 'the feminist church' because there are only sculptures of female saints on…

2. Iloilo Esplanade

21.98 MILES

This riverside walkway is a credit to the city, which had to move mountains to build it. It's 1.3km long, made of brick paving stones, and for pedestrians…

4. Jaro Belfry

22.57 MILES

A lonely old figure standing high and handsome on the edge of Jaro's Belfry Plaza.

5. Casa Mariquit

22.6 MILES

A massive banyan tree looms atmospherically over the entrance to this grand home built in 1803 by Philippines VP Fernando Lopez (Mariquit was his wife's…

7. Nelly's Garden

22.76 MILES

Iloilo's most famous historic home resembles the White House. You'll need to give three days' notice of your visit.

8. Villa Lizares

22.82 MILES

One of Iloilo's grand historic homes, now a school.