OUR LADY OF ATOCHA CHURCH

The Our Lady of Atocha Church in Alicia is known for having an old Spanish church (Castilian) architecture. It is considered one of the best churches to visit for a pilgrimage in Isabela during the Holy Week. The church was declared by the Philippine Department of Tourism as one of the national religious tourist attractions in the country.

The structure of the church was originally built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Passing by Angadanan town on 12 February 1805, Fr. Manuel Mora, OP wrote that “Angadanan has a convent of bricks, though not totally finished. Its church is timber, wood, and bamboo. The number of inhabitants is 791.” The church and convent as seen today in the town of Alicia, beautiful and antique, was built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP and inaugurated in 1849, with Fr. Francisco Gainza, OP, then vicar of Carig (now Santiago City). The church was dedicated to the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, more popularly known today as Our Lady of Atocha. The church is known for its antique Castilian architectural design and can be found along the Maharlika Highway and is accessible by land transport.

 

SAINT MATHIAS CHURCH

The church walls are made entirely of brick. The façade is a magnificent display of the use ornamented brick laid out in characteristic design. Customized bricks were numbered, and placed customized to fit the walls. The interior of the church, similar to the façade is veneered with ornamented bricks. The upper half of the interior wall is laid with ornately designed brick blocks.

The bell tower of the church is cylindrical. The complex is fenced with brick walls, which is also ornamented like the rest of the church. The convent, located at the Gospel side of the church is now in ruins.

 

SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE

Dedicated to Our Lady of La Sallette, the chapel in Balintocatoc occupies the highest point in Santiago City. It is a major destination during Holy Week when people flock to the 14 Stations of the Cross that line to road to the chapel.

 

SAN PABLO CHURCH

Built in 1624, it is said to be the oldest in the province. Its lofty bell tower of six layers including the circular apex made of adobe is the tallest in the Cagayan Valley. San Pablo, the oldest town of Isabela, was founded by Padre de Sto. Tomas, 210 years before Isabela was made a province.