Panglao Church, officially known as San Agustin Parish Church, is a historic and cultural landmark on Panglao Island, known for its distinctive coral stone structure built adjacent to a rare hexagonal watchtower.
Founded in the late 18th century, it is a remarkable example of Spanish colonial architecture, with its iconic facade, elaborate interior, and historical artifacts providing insight into Bohol’s religious and colonial heritage.
Over the years, the church and watchtower have endured the passage of time and withstood natural disasters, earning the designation as a National Cultural Treasure in 2011. This recognition underscores the complex as a key heritage site, highlighting Bohol’s rich colonial past and cultural resilience.
Located at the western end of the island close to Panglao Bay, the church grounds are well-maintained, providing peaceful spaces for casual strolls and photography. Inside, the church radiates a serene atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection.
Panglao Church traces its origins to 1782 and is dedicated to Saint Augustine. The church stands as a testament to over two centuries of religious and cultural legacy on the island.
Constructed from local coral stone, the church features a neo-classical facade adorned with Corinthian columns, while the interior displays a remarkable fusion of Spanish and local Filipino design elements, including intricately carved wooden confessionals and hand-painted ceiling murals illustrating the Seven Sacraments.
Adjacent to the church stands the unique, five-story hexagonal atone tower, built in 1851 near the coastline, which historically served as a lookout for unwanted pirate incursions that were prevalent during that time.
The watchtower experienced significant damage during the 2013 Bohol earthquake but was successfully restored by the National Museum, remaining as one of the tallest heritage structures in Bohol, providing panoramic views of the surrounding town and Panglao Bay.
Among the cluster of centuries-old churches in Bohol, San Agustin Church embodies the island’s profound Catholic roots and Spanish colonial history, with its iconic watchtower standing as a quiet sentinel of the past. Offering visitors a captivating blend of Spanish colonial architecture and a peaceful atmosphere, the church’s enduring charm presents a quiet escape from the bustling beach resorts.
While Panglao is often celebrated for its pristine beaches and diving spots, the parish complex evokes a sense of timelessness and tranquility, making the church not merely a place of worship, but a tangible connection to Bohol’s past, a journey into the essence of Philippine heritage.
Visiting the church is a fulfilling experience for both spiritual reflection and cultural appreciation, a quiet interlude that enhances any journey to Bohol, offering an authentic glimpse into Bohol’s historical and spiritual existence.