Santa Maria Church, officially known as the Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption ( Nuestra Señora de la Asunción ), is a stunning 18th-century Baroque church recognized for its distinctive fortress-like architecture and cultural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded by Augustinian friars with construction commencing in 1765, its hilltop location was chosen based on a local legend where the Virgin Mary’s statue was often discovered resting atop a guava tree, leading to the church’s relocation to this site.
Over time, it has served not only as a religious center but also as a strategic refuge during the the Philippine Revolution in the Spanish colonial period.
Santa Maria Church exemplifies Earthquake Baroque architecture, a style specifically designed to endure the seismic activity prevalent in the Philippines. Its massive brick and mortar construction is reinforced with thick defensive walls, large buttresses, and a distinct octagonal bell tower resembling a pagoda, which was completed in 1810.
The church measures about 99 meters in length and 22.7 meters in width, with a prominent 85-step granite stairway leading up to it. The facade features a large arched entrance flanked by rounded buttresses topped with urn-like finials, along with an impressive bas-relief depicting the legend of the Virgin Mary’s miraculous appearances.
Inside, the church displays white-painted walls adorned with barrel ceilings, black hanging chandeliers, and blue and gold pillar altars that reflect a blend of European Baroque and indigenous design elements.
The church has undergone continuous restoration and preservation efforts, including major renovations in the 19th century, and more recently was designated as an Archdiocesan Shrine and Minor Basilica in 2025.
As part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993, Santa Maria Church represents an architectural fusion and the historical spread of Christianity in the region.
Santa Maria Church stands as a testament to the Philippines’ colonial history, religious heritage, and architectural ingenuity. It is a key cultural treasure of Ilocos Sur and an essential destination for both devotees and history enthusiasts alike.