Parish Church of San Vicente Ferrer of Bogo

Official Name: Archdiocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer[1]

Classification Status: Classified Historic Structures (covering all Colonial Churches and other Houses of Worship, per NHCP Res. No. 3, s. 1991)[1]

Town or City: Bogo City

Description:
History
San Vicente Ferrer Shrine, also known as Bogo Church, is a historic Roman Catholic church nestled in Bogo, Cebu. This religious landmark was originally under the jurisdiction of the parish of Bantayan but attained independent parish status in 1850, with Fr. Mariano Sitchon as its inaugural parish priest. The church we see today was constructed after the ravages of war.

Architecture
A grand set of steps leads to its entrance, where a Corinthian column-supported portico stands tall. The outermost columns, in twin pairings, gracefully terminate in finials adorning the parapet. Atop the frieze, the Latin inscription "Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus" (Holy, Holy, Holy) adds to its sacred aura. Balustrades adorn the parapet, framing a pointed arch niche at the front.

Stepping inside, an inviting arcade of three arches with rectilinear Corinthian pilasters guides worshippers to the vestibule. The puerta mayor, a wide archway flanked by open arch windows, beckons the faithful further into the church. Notably, these windows distinguish Bogo Church from Balamban Church. Above, the pediment rises gracefully, featuring a half-quatrefoil design with a blind rose window.

Two impressive bell towers stand sentry by the entrance. Each tower boasts pilasters in all four corners, culminating in elegant finials, and is crowned with a balustrade and a central dome, breaking the otherwise square-shaped roof. On the ground level, open arches and rose windows enhance the towers' exterior. Ascending upward, the quadrilateral belfry occupies the next two levels, offering arch window openings with balustrades. The second level is adorned with an ornate triangular gable.

The nave extends gracefully on both sides, featuring an exterior wall adorned with an elegant arcade of glass arch windows, further adding to the church's architectural grandeur.[2]

Source:
1. https://ncca.gov.ph/philippine-registry-cultural-property-precup/
2. https://www.theoldchurches.com/philippines/cebu/bogo-city/archdiocesan-shrine-of-san-vicente-ferrer-in-bogo-city-cebu/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebu_Metropolitan_Cathedral