Greetings Architecture+Design!

Every country in the world has its own architectural pride, London, for example, has Big Ben, the London Eye, and the London Bridge. San Francisco in the USA has the Golden Gate Bridge. China has the Great Wall.

Here in my country, the Philippines, there are also lots of architectural structures that we can be proud of, there's the San Juanico Bridge between Leyte and Samar, there's the Patapat Viaduct (also known as Patapat Bridge) in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

But there's one type of structure that the Philippines is very abundant in, old churches. One of them is the famous Paoay Church (San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte).

Paoay Church was built in 1710 during the Philippines' Spanish Colonial period and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a true source of pride of my country. This architectural structure is a must-see if you ever visit the Philippines.

Paoay Church (front)

Paoay Church (side view)

Closer side view of Paoay Church

As you can see, the church has a majestic beauty. The church's caretakers allow wild plants to grow freely on some parts of the church's walls including the bell tower.

A closer look at Paoay Church's front door and windows

Looking closer, you can definitely see the age of the church on its front walls.

Inside Paoay Church

Inside is equally majestic just like on the outside.

Paoay Church's Bell Tower

Aside from the church itself, its bell tower also possesses captivating beauty that is hard to ignore.

One of the things that I noticed about bell towers is their captivating beauty (even if they are very old).

A kalesa is a carriage with two wheels mounted on a horse. It is the most common mode of transportation during the Philippines' Spanish colonial era (now mostly used as a tourist attraction).

A Kalesa

A Kalessa in action

This brontosaurus statue is as big as the one described in the history books.

A Brontosaurus statue (Vigan, Ilocos Sur)

After you visit Paoay Church you may want to take a couple of steps from the church's front to a road nearby, beside the road is a restaurant where you can find a fountain, a chair, and lamp posts that are photography worthy.

A fountain (at Herencia Restaurant, front of Paoay Church)

A fountain (at Herencia Restaurant, front of Paoay Church. Sorry about the outfit, it was scorching hot that day so I decided to change into my household clothes)

My younger son sitting on a wooden/concrete chair

Colonial Period Lamp Post

Lastly, I just want to flex a photo of me together with my younger son, and my niece. Behind us is a restaurant that gave birth to the famous Pinakbet Pizza (just in front of Paoay Church).

Me, my younger son, and my niece

If visiting the architectural sceneries that I mentioned made you hungry then you can definitely dine at the restaurant behind us.