Sta. Monica Church

A church found in the municipality of Panay, Capiz, Philippines.

This church is home for the famous bell in Asia. One of the tourist destination in Roxas City, the church is just 25 minutes away. 

 

 

This centuries old church is the town's historic landmark and foremost tourist attraction.

It was constructed in 1571 and complete in 1771. The grand structure is 70 meters long, 25 meters wide, 18 meters hide and shape in the form of a Latin cross.

The 3 meter thick wall is made of coral blocks and the flooring of black Spanish marble, red tiles and ceramic. It has three (3) towering altars made of hardwood decorated with ornamental Bas-relief and antique statues, a delicate expression of old Spanish baroque. 

Atop the church belfry, hangs the biggest bell in Asia. Its booming sound could be heard 8 kilometers away. It is about 7 feet tall, a base diameter of 5 feet and weighs 10.4 tons. Seventy sacks of coins were used to cast the giant bell in 1878.

I was in this place a few month ago and took this photos as remembrance. 

I've been here many times and every time, I can't help feeling nostalgic. I would imagine how people before would come and go from this place. I feel blessed to be in this historical place.

Panay Bell - Replica

 

This is a replica of the famous Panay Bell.

Housed at the Sta. Monica Parish church in the Municipality of Panay, Capiz, Philippines. 

It is the biggest bell in Asia and the third largest bell in the world.

The bell is known to have been made out of 70 sacks of gold coins.

Weighs 10.4 tons, its echoing sound can be heard 8 kilometers away.

This replica is located beside the convent. There is another replica found at the tower of the church which is as big as the original bell. 

Folks says the real bell was stolen and dropped into the sea.