by As part of our adventure in Ilocos, we had the chance to visit the town of Bacarra in Ilocos Norte. I had read about the historic town of Bacarra before, especially its leaning bell tower. Seeing it in person for the very first time, however, was something else.
The Church of Bacarra
Our group made our way to the St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, more commonly known as the Bacarra Church. Built in the late 1500s by the Augustinians, the church is one of the oldest in the region. Its massive brick façade immediately caught my attention.
Standing before it, I could feel the weight of history that it carried, having survived wars, earthquakes, and countless challenges over the centuries.
Right beside the church stood its iconic bell tower, known to many as the leaning tower of Bacarra. I had only seen photos of it online, so seeing its tilted structure up close felt surreal. The tower has been damaged by earthquakes in the past. But instead of being forgotten, it has become a symbol of the town’s resilience and faith.
Exploring the Bacarra Museum
Another highlight of our visit was the Bacarra Museum, located in the old convent right next to the church. Walking through its halls with my fellow bloggers, I was fascinated by the collection of artifacts, relics, and historical pieces that told the story of Bacarra’s past.
There were antique furniture, religious items, vestments, and sacred vessels that once played important roles in the town’s spiritual life. Each piece carried so much meaning, and I couldn’t help but imagine how life must have been centuries ago when these objects were still in use. It felt like stepping back in time and seeing history come alive right before our eyes.
A Memorable Stop in Ilocos
Our visit to Bacarra was short, but it left a lasting impression on me. Being there with fellow Cebu bloggers made the experience even more special because we were able to share our thoughts and reactions as we explored the church and museum together.
Bacarra is more than just a quick stopover on the way to other Ilocos destinations. It is a place that tells the story of faith, resilience, and history. Seeing the church, the museum, and of course the leaning bell tower for the very first time reminded me once again why I love exploring heritage sites. They give us a chance to connect with the past while appreciating the beauty of the present.
I am grateful that this Ilocos journey brought me to Bacarra, and I look forward to returning someday to learn even more about this fascinating town.
LEY
