Asuncion de Santa Maria Church
07 Jan 2011 4 Comments
in Ilocos Sur, Philippines Tags: Baroque Church, couchsurfing, hitchhiking, Ilocandia, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Santa Maria, travel stories, traveling, unesco, UNESCO World Heritage list, Vigan, world heritage
The Santa Maria Church in the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in the province of Ilocos Sur in the north of Philippines is the most magnificently located of all the churches in Ilocandia.. Geographically, it is in the centre of Ilocos Sur.. It serves as the Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.. Perched strategically on top of a hill, it provides a panoramic view from which one can enjoy the delightful site for miles whether looking at the China Sea or into the verdant paddy fields of the valley, the surrounding seven hills, the coastal plains of the town, and the Cordillera mountain ranges.. It is approached by three broad stairways – one from eastern side where lies a now abandoned cemetery with a quaint chapel, surrounding walls and arch entrance; another one from the southwest side at the back of the church leading to the Nueva Coveta road (now Burgos); and the main stairway with 83 steps from the northwest..
