Lateral view of the facade

I have long been curious about Zamboanguita’s quaint old church of mamposteria (river stones), having seen it in some publications. And that curiousity was quenched a month ago when I visited the town. I haven’t yet found material that will indicate the construction period of the edifice but the town was established in 1866 and the church handled by the Recollect Augustinians who evangelized the entire Negros and Siquijor islands.

Zamboanguita Church’s simple facade

The facade of the church is simple yet imposing. An espadaña crowns the front and an occulus is found at the center. This used to be covered in paletada (stucco) but parts of it has since peeled or crumbled off exposing the river stones at the facade and sides of the nave.

Old images of the church lacks the brick covered parts, which might indicate that, together with the portico, a recent addition. Another new addition is the Pieta sculpture infront and the fence. In older images this is where the main entrance used to be.

There is not much left of the original interior except for the folksy rendition of the neoclassic altar, although I’m not even sure if this is still original or added later. The interior has mostly been painted, raised marble flooring at the presbytery as well as electric fan trees have been added.

Side view of the church

Close up of the river stones that make up the church

Interior of Zamboanguita Church showing the presbytery

Interior of the church facing the main entrance