Parish Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte | Church of San Nicolas MarkerParish Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte | Church of San Nicolas Marker is a Important Cultural Property, National Museum; Marked Structure, NHCP; Local Cultural Property - Cultural and Historical Heritage of the Province of Ilocos Norte (per Provincial Ordinance Nos. 049-2006 and 039-2009); Registered Property, Municipality of Sa located at San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Region I.
The church is named after Saint Nicholas de Tolentino who was believed to have protected the people against floods, earthquakes, fires, typhoons and other calamities.
The first church was founded in 1584 by the Augustinian Friars. The original chapel was of masonry with thatch roof, then reconstructed in 1811-1830.
Exhibiting a baroque façade, the church bears the Spanish coat of arms. A threestorey bell tower on its right was built by Father Vitoriano Garcia.
The church speaks of the numerous people who kept the Catholic faith alive despite the turmoil of the past 400 years brought about by calamities that previously destroyed the original church structure.
It was declared as National Historical Landmark in 1950s by the then National Historical Institute and Important Cultural Property in 2015 by the National Museum.
_____
Marker Text:
Church of San Nicolas
Founded 1584 by the Agustinian missionaries. Original chapel was of masonry with a thatch roof. Reconstructed 1811–1830. Father Victoriano Garcia Alonso erected the tower, 1895–1897. Occupied by revolutionists, 1898; by American forces, 1899; and Philippine Independent Church, 1900–1901.
Year Unveiled: 1952