Jump to: About Bacolor Church | Historical Significance | How to Get There | What to See | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions
About Bacolor Church
San Guillermo Parish Church, commonly known as Bacolor Church, is a centuries-old church in Bacolor, Pampanga. Despite being buried by lahar during Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in the 1990s, it remains a powerful symbol of faith and Filipino resilience. Having said that, it is considered the Cagsawa of the North.
Historical Significance
The church was originally built in 1576 during Spanish colonization and was named after their patron saint, San Guillermo Ermitaño. Destroyed by earthquakes and fire was then rebuilt in 1886. After Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991, it was engulfed by volcanic debris, leaving only the top portion visible. Locals dug out a new entrance through the roof and preserved part of the original structure.
Its original door entrance was buried with mud and ash, so the entrance today was the wide windows before. Its façade has a Baroque architecture that contains amazing detail. Even from afar, the gorgeous design is very noticeable. The municipality's residents, as well as the devotees of this church, opened their hands to build and make this religious spot rise again through Bayanihan. This church is functional and one of the prides of Pampanga. Today, it stands as a half-buried but fully functional church and a major pilgrimage site in Pampanga.
Its convent was converted to an art gallery that houses old paintings, church relics and photos captured during Mt. Pinatubo eruption and how people stood up after the devastation. I stand 5 feet 6 inches but when I was standing inside the convent, my head almost hit the ceiling.
Originally, the church structure stood 12 meters high, but almost half of it was covered with lahar from the massive Pinatubo eruption. Regarding the ambiance outside and of this church: during our 15-minute stay, I was not relaxed for some reason, maybe because of how this church looks.
How to Get to Bacolor Church
Bacolor Church is located along the MacArthur Highway in Bacolor, Pampanga. From Manila, you can take a bus bound for San Fernando or Olongapo and get off at Bacolor. You can also drive via NLEX and exit at San Fernando. Travel time is around 2–3 hours.
What to See at Bacolor Church
- The partially buried facade and arched windows
- Mini-museum of lahar aftermath and recovered relics
- The altar and choir loft above the original church floor
- Statues and religious icons that survived the eruption
Travel Tips
- Visit during daylight for better photos and access
- Dress modestly — it's an active place of worship
- There’s no entrance fee, but donations are welcome
- Combine your visit with other historical sites in Pampanga
Nearby Attractions in Pampanga
Final Thoughts
Bacolor Church is not only a beautiful historical site, but a living symbol of how a community stood strong after disaster. Whether you're into history, faith, or unique architecture, this destination in Pampanga is worth a stop on your journey.
