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Friday December 28, 2018
Sarrat is a historic, landlocked municipality in Ilocos Norte, celebrated as the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
Sarrat is home to the Santa Monica Parish Church, a prominent cultural and religious landmark famed for having the longest church nave in the Philippines.
Santa Monica Parish Church is located along the scenic Padsan River about 8 kilometers east of Laoag City. Traveling by trike from Hotel Tiffany in Laoag took us about 15 minutes, moving at a relaxed speed.
Built by Augustinian friars in 1779, the complex features a breathtaking 137-meter-long nave constructed out of centuries-old red brick. It beautifully blends Earthquake Baroque and Neoclassical design elements.
The interior ceiling showcases an impressive exposed framework consisting of around 480 solid hardwood molave logs, most of which date entirely back to the 18th century.
Its massive convent (historically called the Casa del Palacio Real) is connected to the main church structure by a stunning three-level brick stairway.
The Santa Monica Parish Church bell tower stands majestically on the left side of the main church facade. Like the rest of the historical complex, it is made of stunning, centuries-old red bricks.
The belfry is uniquely equipped with a large dome clock that historically struck every half-hour to guide the townspeople.
To be continued ...
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