Bantay Bell Tower and a hidden chapel , remnants of the past
Believed to have been built by the Agustinian missionaries in 1591 in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, it have not been touched nor restored except its' stairs to the belfry. Built on a hill, in the highest part of Bantay, it also served as the watch tower for any incoming Japanese forces during the World War II.
Located just outside Vigan, St. Agustin Church is the town' s only church. Now known as the Our Lady of Charity Church, its' feast is celebrated every January.
Its' bell tower was made famous as a movie backdrop "Ang Panday" in the 1980s.
It is one place where the locals and foreign visitors flock to see the surrounding countryside, with the Cordillera mountains in the background.
The Sleeping beauty.
It's a very narrow stairs going up, with the 3rd floor access that one really tall person need to watch out.
In the middle is a huge bell with smaller bells in each wall gaps serving as the lookout for the outside views.
Chapel by the ruins
Unknown to most people, even from the nearby towns, on the right side of the church is a sign-posted narrow alley going to the ruin parts.
From its' location, it was very serene as the church services can't be heard. Also cool and quiet from the buzz of tourists going to the bell tower.
https://www.lomography.com/magazine/67224-bantay-bell-tower-standing-tall-four-centuries-later
All images are mine and original, taken with my Samsung Galaxy S7.
Badge courtesy of @elyaque
What a beautiful place to visit :-)
It is..Vigan and Bantay are lil cities/town north of manila. It's the access that most are concerned of but i promise you..the beaches around here are OK :))
I like the pics I can't have here :)
Thank you enjoy!