San Joaquin Cemetery
The old cemetery of San Joaquin, Iloilo was built in 1892 and is one of the most well-preserved cemeteries in the Philippines, especially its imposing mortuary chapel, decorated with stone carvings of floral and leaf patterns.
The San Joaquin Cemetery in Southern Iloilo was built in 1892 under the auspices of Fray Mariano Vamba, who was the last Augustinian parish priest of the town. The Baroque-style gate features a statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, flanked by two angels, guarding the cemetery. Meanwhile, the cemetery is surrounded by a stone wall with wrought iron fences and niches occupied by statues of saints.
Perhaps the best-known feature of the cemetery is the imposing mortuary chapel, decorated with classical motifs and crowned with a pointed dome.
The cemetery was built in 1892 under the Augustinian priest Mariano Vamba.
A statue of Jesus with arms outstretched stands on top of a Baroque-style gate, and on each side of Christ, two columns with angelic figured are poised as guards. Also, sculpted heads of two cherubs and skull representing death marks the entrance of the cemetery.
After entering the gate, visitors are greeted by the mortuary chapel or “Campo Santo” decorated with stone carvings of floral and leaf patters. Inside is a small sculpture replica of ”La Pieta”.
In 2016, restoration effort of the Campo Santo was done after a 60 feet pit was dug inside by treasure hunters compromising the integrity of the structure.
The San Joaquin Campo Santo was a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in December 2015.
Sources:
https://www.exploreiloilo.com/do/info/san-joaquin-cemetery/
https://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/san-joaquin-cemetery/
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