A trip to the south of Cebu is a trip through the history of the island. The southern towns have numerous sites that are both historically and culturally significant. These sites include old Spanish era houses as well as churches that are centuries old. One of these churches can be found in Dalaguete, the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church.
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church – image source: en.wikipedia.org
Dalaguete
The southern town of Dalaguete is known as the Vegetable Basket of Cebu. It is also home to a strawberry farm located in the mountain barangay of Mantalongon. In addition, the town is also one of the jump-off points for the Osmeña Peak where you can see Bohol Island on one side and Negros Island on the other. It was once a visita of neighboring Carcar before it became an independent parish in 1711.
The southern town of Dalaguete is known as the Vegetable Basket of Cebu. It is also home to a strawberry farm located in the mountain barangay of Mantalongon. In addition, the town is also one of the jump-off points for the Osmeña Peak where you can see Bohol Island on one side and Negros Island on the other. It was once a visita of neighboring Carcar before it became an independent parish in 1711.
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church – image source: beyondcebu.com
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church
Construction of the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church did not start immediately after the town became a parish. Construction only started in 1802 under Fr. Juan Chacel. The church was completed in 1825. A rectory was later added by Fr. Juan Alonso and was completed in 1832 as indicated on the inscription on its front door. The belfry was added into the church at a later time.
Construction of the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church did not start immediately after the town became a parish. Construction only started in 1802 under Fr. Juan Chacel. The church was completed in 1825. A rectory was later added by Fr. Juan Alonso and was completed in 1832 as indicated on the inscription on its front door. The belfry was added into the church at a later time.
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church – image source: zeelifestylecebu.com
Cornice stone moldings form the divisions on the three levels of the church. The ceiling of the church is decorated by paintings made by Canuto Avila and his sons. Elaborate ornamental designs are also noted in different areas inside the church. The rectory has a lower level made of stone and upper level made of wood, which is typical of structures made during the Spanish period.
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church – image source: cebudailynews.inquirer.net
The church served not only as a place of worship, but also as a place of refuge from attacks by Moro raiders. It is one of the last church fortifications in the archipelago today. The San Guillermo de Aquitania Church was declared a National Historical Landmark on April 16, 2004. The church is one of the most preserved baroque-rococo structures on the island of Cebu.
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church – image source: phtourguide.com
Getting There
You can get to the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church in Dalaguete by getting on a bus headed for the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town center, you can simply walk to the church.
You can get to the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church in Dalaguete by getting on a bus headed for the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town center, you can simply walk to the church.
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church – image source: expedia.com.ph
The San Guillermo de Aquitania Church is one of the few churches that have survived the test of time. While the belfry of the church was damaged during the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in 2013, the church itself remained relatively unharmed.
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church – image source: cebudailynews.inquirer.net
Have you visited the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church in Dalaguete already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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