In the town of Santa Maria in the Luzon province of Ilocos Sur lies the stunning Santa Maria Church, which attracts tens of thousands of worshippers and tourists. It is not only a reminder of the four centuries of Spanish domination of the land, but also a unique structure renowned for its architecture and design. Compared to other churches in the region, Santa Maria is smaller in size but more opulent. It was built on top of a hill, and served as a kind of observation point, later becoming a true religious centre.
After the complete conquest of the province of Ilocos by the Spanish in the 17th century, the population of Santa Maria increased significantly. Evangelical parishes were established everywhere, making the town a religious and commercial centre. According to legend, before the Church of Santa Maria was built on its present site, the Virgin Mary was worshipped in a place called Bulala. The holy image kept disappearing from its throne and was later found in the same place, on a guava tree growing where the chapel of the Church of Santa Maria stands today. Many people believed in this story, and the legend contributed to the construction of the church. In 1810 a bell tower was added, which attracts attention not only for its unusual location, but also for its proportions and hexagonal shape.
Right in front of the church there is a monastery, which partially covers the facade of the church. It can be accessed directly from the church by a bridge built over the once deep moat. A large staircase of three flights leads to the church door, the other two are behind the building - one leads to the cemetery, the other offers a panoramic view of the plain and Santa Maria.
