Three must-visit heritage parks down south

3 must-visit heritage sites in the southern towns of Cebu

THE Southern towns of Cebu offer not just natural attractions such as countless waterfalls, breathtaking mountain sceneries, and the protected seascape of Tañon Strait, but heritage sites as well. Since a trip down south is inevitable this summer, check out three must-visit, easy to locate heritage sites to make make your trip worthwhile and let’s you appreciate history and the value of open space.

MAN BEHIND THE BALUARTES.

A curious statue facing the Cebu Strait in the Oslob Heritage Park is that of “El Parroco Capitan” Fr. Julian Bermejo (1777-1851). Perhaps one of the most important public figure during his time, the priest devised a strong coastal defense system called “baluartes” that served as lookout stations at the southern towns against marauders.

OSLOB HERITAGE PARK

Located some 120 kilometers from Cebu City is the sprawling Oslob Heritage Park, which faces the sea. Within the park are the Baluarte, Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, as well as a statue of “El Parroco Capitan” Fr. Julian Bermejo.

The Cuartel

Made of coral stones, the Cuartel served as barracks for Spanish armies, but construction was halted during the American occupation in 1899. The walls of the Cuartel are 19 centimeters thick.

The Baluarte

Built in 1788 on the coastline of Oslob, the sevenmeter-tall hexagonal Baluarte is one of 12 watchtowers constructed in the southern town to defend against moro marauders. These baluartes devised by Fr. Bermejo stretched from Carcar town all the way to Santander, the southern tip of Cebu island.

Immaculate Conception Parish Church

Construction of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church began in 1830, with Fr. Bermejo choosing the site since it is suitable for a settlement. The church was hit by fire twice — in 1955 and then in 2008 — and was restored anew in December 2010.

CABECERA DE ARGAO

A historical and cultural landmark in the south that shouldn’t be missed for a good stroll is the Cabecera de Argao, which used to be a fortified town or Spanish pueblo. Within the town center, now heritage park, is the Argao Parish Church, the Argao Hall of Justice and the Balay Lungsod sa Argao.

Argao Parish Church

Standing elegantly in the Cabecera de Argao Heritage Park, this Baroque Rococo church took 54 years to build: started in 1734 and finished in 1788. The church is currently undergoing restoration using traditional methods.

Argao Hall of Justice

The Argao Hall of Justice was built in the 1800s during the Spanish occupation within the town’s fortified walls in the pueblo. It features meter-thick coral stone walls, capiz windows and clay roof tiles. The Spanish cannon in the foreground is one of three canyons on display at the park. Brought some time between 1600 and 1700 during the Galleon trade, these canyons were used to defend against moro raiders.

Balay Lungsod sa Argao

Built in 1608, the well-ventilated Balay Lungsod sa Argao or municipal hall also serves as a museum of traditional Argaoanon implements. The structure, which carries Chinese elements, particularly the clay roof tile design, is typical of that period: the first level built of stone and wood supports the second level which is made of light materials.

SAMBOAN MUNICIPAL PLAZA

Samboan is famed for its breathtaking sunsets and the epic Aguinid Falls, but it’s also home to a well-kept heritage park at the town center. You won’t miss it as a huge sculpted sign that reads “Siempre Samboan” on a hillside along the highway would lead you to the park, which can be enjoyed at night after viewing the sunset.

Religious Sculptures

Inside the town plaza are beautiful life-size sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross. Though Holy Week has just passed, the place still offers a solemn, if not awe-inspiring, experience, especially at night.

Campanario de Antigua

A Spanish structure made of coral stones, the Campanario de Antigua was built as a lookout against moro raiders. Erected on a coastal hill some 65 meters above sea level, the three-story watch tower is the tallest of its kind on the entire island and gives a commanding view of Tañon Strait. The restored watch tower is connected to the coast (now a highway road) by Escala de Jacobe, or Jacob’s Ladder, a flight of 147 stone steps.

San Miguel Archangel Church

Built 200 years ago, the Samboan Church or St. Michael Archangel Church has unique masonry and design features such as a bare facade and a single nave. The church is one of Cebu’s oldest Spanish buildings.