Visit the St. John the Baptist Church a.k.a. Bato Church

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST /
BATO CHURCH

Photo from: https://shoestringdiary.wordpress.com/2018/04/04/stopover-at-bato-catanduanes/

St. John the Baptist Church also known as the ‘Bato Church‘ is one of the renowned tourist destination in the province of Catanduanes. It was built in the Spanish era and considered as the oldest church in the province. The church is situated at the town of Bato, a small town located at the south-eastern portion of Catanduanes, beside the highway facing the extensive Bato River.

Bato Church took fifty-three (53) years and under six (6) parish administrations to build, from 1830 to 1883. It has a massive structure that was built with mortar and coral limestone designed to withstand the strong typhoons that batters the province every year. And despite the church’s over the hill facade, it’s ceiling and altar are already renovated. Read More: https://ravenph.wordpress.com/2017/06/28/catanduanes-the-century-old-church-of-bato/

catanduanes-bato-church2 Photo from: http://en.paperblog.com/discovering-maribina-falls-bato-church-in-catanduanes-840502/

Catandunganons display a remarkable degree of religiosity evident in the religious spots in the province.

Most notable of these is the Spanish-era Bato Church which has been a bastion of faith in the wind-swept island. Standing proudly by the scenic Bato River, this picturesque baroque church has also become a refuge and bulwark against destructive typhoons. Text from: https://suroysuanoy.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/catanduanes-of-perfect-storms-and-rough-diamonds/

Photo from: https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/04/13/restoring-a-catanduanes-icon/

The old church, constructed from coral stones, is located in northern end of the town proper of Bato and along the highway parallel to the wide Bato River. Locals say that the site is also where the Augustinian Friar Diego de Herrera died.

Today, the St. John the Baptist Church of Bato is the oldest church in the province that has stood the test of time and weathered countless storms, earthquakes and other natural calamities. Read More: http://www.lakwatsero.com/spots/catanduanes-the-heritage-church-of-bato/