Saint Augustine Church, located in Cuyo, Palawan, is a fortress-church that has been one of the favorite destinations of many pilgrims to rejuvenate their spirits and feel closer to God.

Glories of the Past

Saint Augustine Church was first constructed of nipa by the Augustinian Recollects, but was rebuilt in its current form in the early 18th century to be able to repel marauding Moro raiders during the Spanish period, doubling as a launching pad for Recollect missionaries in the Christianization of Palawan.

Architectural Structure

The church itself is enclosed in high walls of coral stone and mortar, only the pediment and part of the second level are visible above the fortifications. As a fortress-church, it is very wide and occupies a large area. The main entrance is an arched portal. It is flanked by thick rectangular pilasters, each topped by a statue of an angel. A frieze of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is lodged in between the angels. The plastered pediment that rises above the walls is ringed by statues of saints and it contrasts against the ruggedness of the fort walls. Two circular windows accent each side of the facade and a clean cornice divides the triangular pediment. A large circular window dominates the pediment, which is capped by a cross.