Saint Peter and Paul Parish Church

The Saint Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bantayan town is the oldest and most significant structure on the island. Built by Augustinian friars in the 16th century from blocks of coral stone, the church has the massive, fortified character typical of Spanish colonial churches throughout the Philippines — thick walls, a heavy bell tower, and a design that doubled as a refuge during the frequent pirate raids of the era.

The town of Bantayan sits about 12 km from the ferry port at Santa Fe and is worth the short tricycle or motorbike ride. The plaza around the church is the civic heart of the island, quiet most days but lively on Sunday mornings and during the pre-Lenten Sinulog celebrations. The interior of the church is cool and austere.

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A story
The church of Saints Peter and Paul in Bantayan town dates from the 16th century and is one of the oldest churches in the Visayas. The massive coral-block walls — some sections up to two metres thick — were built as much for defence as for worship. During the Moro raids that plagued coastal Visayan communities throughout the Spanish period, the church compound served as a fortress where the entire town would take refuge.