Explore Boljoon :: Patrocinio De Maria Church / Rectory / Belfry

Built in 1783, but during Fr. Julian Bermejo's tenure, the church complex underwent expansion of 1808. Work on the church, rectory and belfry took many years to become one complex.

Arch. Melva Java, in her article publish in Cebu Daily News, described the church complex as among the few maintained its square plan. "The look and layout has remained consistent with the 18^th century plan as no new or additional structures that would obstruct or destroy alignments of buildings has been built by the succeding generations," she said.

The church is made of coral stones and hard wood. The roof is made of clay tiles. Twenty-six pilasters support the walls. The walls are as thick as the pilasters. In terms of oranmentation, the facade contains relief and carving depicting various biblical and church characters, such as the biblical snake and Ybix bird, etc. The retablos are gilded with gold dust. The choir loft sports intricate and fine tracery railings. The ceiling paintings are said to be 80 years old painted by Miguel Villareal, a native of Boljoon.

The parish was under the Spanish Friars up until 1948. The church structure is now Boljoon's landmark.