The Baroque Churches of the Philippines is the complete work to a collection of four Spanish-era churches in the Philippines, upon its inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.
The collection comprises of the following:
San Agustin Church in Manila
Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
San Agustin Church in Paoay,Ilocos Norte
Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo
These churches have been at the beginning of Philippine history, not just in furthering Christianity in the archipelago, but in serving as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule, when Church and State were advertise as one.
The unique architecture of the churches didn\'t just reflect the adjustment of Spanish/Latin American architecture to the local environment (including the fusion with Chinese motifs), but also of the Church\'s political influence.
These churches had been subject to attacks by local revolts and rebellions, hence, most had the appearance of a fortress, rather than just serving as mere religious structures.
