Considered as the Second Cradle of Christianity in the Philippines and Home of the Biggest Catholic Church Bell in Asia, the Sta. Monica Parish Church in Panay, Capiz is both historical jewel and an architectural wonder with a touch of Baroque style with a blended Neo-Classical Influence.
The church was declared a National Landmark by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines in 1997 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2004. The church is built of coral blocks, 70 meters long, 25 meters wide and 18 meters in height. The walls are about 3 meters thick.
For those who find pleasure in visiting historical treasures, the Sta. Monica Parish Church in Panay, Capiz is worth of anybody’s time. The structure of the church is shaped in the form of a Latin cross with a large central altar and four lateral one.
Built in 1884, the structure was built with what turned to be the largest bell in Asia.
The bell was cast by Don Juan Reina using at least 70 sacks of coins that the locals donated and weighed 10.4 metric tons. It was commissioned by Fray Beloso who was during the time the parish priest of Panay.
Sta. Monica Parish Church is about 27-minute ride from Roxas City.