Looking for a last-minute church guide to your Visita Iglesia in Iloilo? This Iloilo Visita Iglesia pilgrimage allows visitors to gain insight into the local culture while honoring their faith. Pilgrims will surely appreciate each church’s beautiful architecture and surroundings, from centuries-old Baroque structures to neoclassical edifices with intricate details.
Here are Iloilo churches to visit during the Holy Week.
What is Visita Iglesia?
Visita Iglesia, or the Seven Churches Visit, is one of the religious traditions Pinoy Catholics observe during the Lenten season. It involves a pilgrimage to seven churches daily, usually around Maundy Thursday of Good Friday. A typical Iloilo Visita Iglesia tradition includes visiting seven churches around Iloilo City and Province. During each visit to each church, the faithful recite prayers while meditating upon the Stations of the Cross. This serves as a way to reflect on Jesus’ death and all He sacrificed for us.
Why should you visit 7 churches?
At its core, the practice involves visiting seven churches to commemorate Jesus’ Seven Last Words. During each halt or stop at each church, worshippers recite a decade of the rosary and meditate profoundly and prayerfully at each station, recalling how our Lord suffered for us. In Iloilo City alone, churches like Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, and San Jose Church make it convenient for pilgrims looking for an enriching Holy Week experience with lots of faith, devotion, and contemplation.
Iloilo Churches to Visit During Holy Week
Iloilo is home to various churches, from grand cathedrals to intimate chapels, offering unique charm and spirituality. Taking some time to explore the city’s most iconic religious destinations can make your visit unforgettable. From stunning architecture and magnificent frescos to revered historical sites, plenty of interesting Iloilo churches deserve attention.
Jaro Cathedral
- Jaro, Iloilo City
- (033) 329 1625
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
Visiting Iloilo City would not be complete without seeing the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral. This baroque cathedral, built in 1864, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro. Pope John Paul II came to the cathedral and blessed Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Rumor has it that the statue is alive and has grown from a foot up to its big size today. The cathedral is a beautiful sight, and it is well worth taking the time to explore it.
St. Joseph the Worker Parish
- Lopez Jaena Street, San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City
- (033) 329 0081
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
This church is in Jaro, and it was constructed in 1969 by priests from the Order of Discalced Carmelites. It is said that the parish was built in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, who embodied hard work amongst other virtues such as charity and humility. It’s, however, regarded as one of the newer churches in Jaro for your Iloilo Visita Iglesia.
University of San Agustin Extension Campus Chapel
- Brgy. Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City
Located outside the premises of the University of San Agustin Extension Campus (Sambag, Jaro), this charming chapel has been offering spiritual guidance for students through regular masses and activities held inside its walls. With its elegant yet minimalist architecture, this chapel provides an inviting atmosphere for quiet reflection during Holy Week celebrations.
Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje
- Jereos Street, La Paz, Iloilo City
- (033) 329 6680
Other names include “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church” or La Paz Church. This parish church is in La Paz district, adorned with a brick facade.
St. Clement’s Church
- Luna St, La Paz, Iloilo City
- (033) 320 0717
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
St. Clement’s Church-Redemptorists (Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, La Paz, Iloilo City) is an impressive and highly venerated house of worship set amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It is owned and managed by the Redemptorist Missionaries and Irish Redemptorists and provides an array of facilities to help strengthen its congregants’ spiritual growth.
Come Holy Week becomes part of the area’s famous Iloilo Visita Iglesia program, where pilgrims seek solace in prayer and a brief break from their hectic daily lives. They have a great community here.
Our Lady of Consolation & St. Joseph Church
- 69 Jalandoni St, Jaro, Iloilo City
The church in Magsaysay (straight by DOST VI and Iloilo Sports Complex) is restoring the traditional Latin Mass known as the Tridentine Mass. Join in for a traditional prayer within its sacred walls and free yourself from worldly cares.
Espousal of Our Lady Parish Church
- C. F Perfecto Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
- (033) 321 0030
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The parish church of Mandurriao is more contemporary for the faithful. Its known vicariate is St. Peter.
Molo Church
- 132 San Pedro St, Molo, Iloilo City
- (033) 337 2258
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
If you travel to Iloilo City, check out the Molo Church. This unique neogothic church is known as the feminist church, as all of its 16 saints are women, in contrast to the Jaro Cathedral.
San Jose Church
- Calasanz St, Iloilo City Proper
- (033) 336 4802
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
Established by the Jesuits in 1607, the present church was built by Agustinians in 1873. It houses the 1616 image of Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario and the replica of Santo Niño de Cebu, whose feast is celebrated as Dinagyang Festival. The church is in front of Plaza Libertad, a popular tourist spot. When you visit the San Jose Church, you’ll be able to see firsthand how important faith is to the people of Iloilo City.
Santa Maria Chinese-Filipino Parish
- 139 Gen. Blanco Street, Maria Clara, Iloilo City
- (033) 338 2245
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The Santa Maria Chinese-Filipino Parish has served Chinese-Filipino Catholics for years since its establishment with the school. This parish is included as one pilgrimage stop during Iloilo Visita Iglesia tradition.
Sta. Teresita del Niño Jesus Parish
- 17 J. De Leon Street, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City
- (033) 335 0093
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The Sta. Teresita del Niño Jesus Parish, located in the heart of Iloilo City and under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Jaro, offers a unique experience for devotees and tourists alike. Famous for being one of the seven churches on Iloilo Visita Iglesia itinerary, this parish stands out with its majestic interiors and warm atmosphere that welcomes everyone who visits.
Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Arevalo
- Arroyo St, Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Arevalo in the Philippines is a Catholic shrine steeped in centuries of history and reverence. Established by Augustinian missionaries in 1581, it is the home of the third oldest Sto. Nino statue or Child Jesus statue in the country. Each year, solace seekers come not only to pay homage to the image of St. Niño, but also comforted by the feeling of being surrounded by a timeless faith embodying a centuries-deep understanding of God’s power for his people.
Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church
- Rizal St, Lapuz, Iloilo City
- 0912 203 0027
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church stands as one of the important religious sites in Iloilo City, located in the district of Lapuz. It is a popular destination for Catholic pilgrims who observe Visita Iglesia during Holy Week and other special Masses. Some devotees even visit daily to pay homage to the parish’s patroness, Our Lady of Fatima.
These churches are located in various municipalities.
Oton Church
- J.C. Zulueta St, Oton, Iloilo
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Oton, Iloilo, is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and is frequently visited during Visita Iglesia. Its history dates back to 1572 when Friar Martin Rada arrived from Panay Island’s Dumangas settlement with a few Augustinian Friars to establish a church.
Sadly, it was destroyed by Dutch Privateers in 1614. The reconstruction process started much later, nearly 200 years after its destruction. It was only under the supervision of Friar Demetrio Cobos, who served as Oton Parish Priest from 1844-1854, that construction of the new church got underway again and finished off in 1883. Following that, it was officially blessed in 1891.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Church – Cabatuan
- Cabatuan, Iloilo
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Church in Iloilo is an important stop for many when participating in the ‘Visita Iglesia’ during Holy Week. Built by Augustinians in 1834, this church is popular for its impressive Neoclassical architecture and red bricks. It is the only church on Panay Island originally with three facades and six belfries.
However, sadly, four of these once-magnificent towers were destroyed by an earthquake in 1948. Despite this tragedy, the St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Church continues attracting tourists with its spectacular brick beauty.
Santa Monica Parish Church
- Corner Evangelista & Sumakwel Street, Pavia, Iloilo
- (033) 329 2811
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
This century-old church was constructed in a Byzantine Style and was initiated by the Spanish Augustinian Fathers in 1862. While the first groups of workers were assembled as early as 1887, it wasn’t until 1889 that construction officially began. The surrounding churchyard also offers a peaceful atmosphere with its small garden that includes a statuesque honoring Santa Monica—the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo—as a way of paying homage to its patron saint.
St. John the Baptist Parish Church Dingle
- San Nico St., Poblacion, Dingle, Iloilo
- 0930 238 8207
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
A stunning example of Baroque architecture is split between its Neoclassical style and constructions. Built out of limestone, this church stands with prominent pilasters and multi-faceted columns, while its nave was made from baked bricks. It took a year for the construction of the Church to be completed, beginning in 1865 and ending in 1866. This majestic church has been heralded as one of Iloilo’s most beloved architectural landmarks for centuries, deservedly so.
St. Augustine Parish Church Dumangas
- Dumangas, Iloilo
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
In the municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo lies the St. Augustine Parish Church—a striking architectural gem that has continuously provided solace and refuge for locals throughout centuries. Often dubbed as the Gothic Byzantine Church of Western Visayas, the magnificent edifice holds significant cultural and historical significance, making Iloilo Visita Iglesia a must among pilgrims.
Traditionally thought to be the first stone church duly constructed upon the island of Panay, records show that its construction dates back as far as 1572—only to be burnt down by Moro raiders in 1628. It was repaired, but in 1787 an earthquake inflicted further damage on the structure.
In 1887, Fr. Fernando Llorente began reconstruction on it—which ultimately led to what is today one of the region’s most celebrated landmarks and a treasure trove for history buffs.
St. Joachim Parish Church or San Joaquin Church
- San Joaquin, Iloilo
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
It is renowned for its hand-carved limestone facade featuring an incredible scene depicting a Spanish victory over the Moors. This work of art was completed by Augustinian friars in 1869 and has since then been an essential stop for those making the annual Visita Iglesia pilgrimage during Holy Week. For its historical, religious, and artistic significance, it has been properly preserved throughout the years and was even declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001.
Miagao Church
- Zulueta Ave, Miagao, Iloilo
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The Miagao Church is a UNESCO heritage site located in Iloilo, Philippines. The church is known for its baroque-romanesque architecture and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the province. It was built in 1787 (groundbreaking) by the Augustinian friars and is considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the Philippines. The church is made of coral stone and features intricate carvings on its facade.
The Miagao Church is also home to a museum that houses a collection of religious artifacts and paintings. The church is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.
Guimbal Church
- Gimeno St, Guimbal, Iloilo
- (033) 323 2558
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The Guimbal Church might be one of the oldest churches in the country, but it shouldn’t be forgotten. Built in 1774 in Spanish-colonial style with corals and adobe, this church stands tall as one of the most important destinations for Iloilo Visita Iglesia. Despite its age, its architecture still holds up.
The belfry even doubles as a watchtower against pirates, making it an impressive symbol of Filipino-Spanish heritage. For those looking to immortalize their faith through a holy pilgrimage or just wanting to bask in the beauty of colonial churches, Guimbal Church should be on your bucket list.
Santa Barbara Parish Church
- Rizal St, Santa Barbara, Iloilo
- (033) 523 7928
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
Santa Barbara Parish Church in Iloilo is an architectural masterpiece and a historical landmark on Panay Island. It is built in the neoclassical style with Moorish influence for its resemblance. Established as early as 1845, it was initially used as a hospital and general headquarters by revolutionary forces during the Philippine War against Spain.
This makes it the birthplace of independence and is labeled as such by locals. Moreover, The National Museum declared it a national cultural treasure in 2013, earning it a place on Iloilo Visita Iglesia itineraries for devout Catholics.
Tigbauan Church
- Allera St, Tigbauan, Iloilo
- For updates and schedules, see their FB page here
The Tigbauan Church, more formally known as the St. John of Sahagun Parish, is a stunning example of Mexican-style, Spanish baroque architecture. Constructed in 1575, the centuries-old structures have experienced their share of destruction and reconstruction – the original church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1948, then rebuilt in 1994.
This remarkable church is renowned for its extraordinary mosaics and stone murals that decorate the interior walls. Moreover, tourists flock to this ancient church every year during Iloilo Visita Iglesia holiday season.
This is an unofficial list of churches in Iloilo. We may be updating them soon!
