Churches

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
“On the front facade of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences.

On the church's facade the coconut tree appears as the "tree of life" to which St. Christopher carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder is clinging to. The lesser facades feature the daily life of Miagaowanons during the time. Also depicted are other native flora and fauna, as well as native dress.

The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It therefore has thick walls and, reportedly, secret passages. Indeed stretching along the Iloilo coast are defensive towers, but none that equal the size of the Miag-ao. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.”