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In Photos: Church and Convent of Santa Barbara, Iloilo

Among the best preserved church and convent complexes in the Philippines can be found in Santa Barbara, Iloilo. It is among the most visited tourist attractions of historical and cultural heritage significance.
Constructed in 1849 under Father Francis Aguerria, OSA, the church has a distinct Baroque-Renaissance Spanish colonial vintage architecture. 

It became the headquarters of the "Ejercito Libertador" under Gen. Martin T. Delgado of the Filipino Revolutionary Forces against Spain in 1898. 

Partly destroyed by an eartquake in 1948, it has undergone sevaral renovation and restoration works, the most recent of which was undertaken by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for the 2015 Independence Day Celebration led by President Benigno "PNOY" Aquino III. 
The church complex prior the restoration works
It was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1990 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2013 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum,respectively.


Photos credits: Joemarie Bernas, Vincent Valencia, Malacañang FB Page

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