Parish Church of San Carlos Borromeo of Mahatao | Simbahan ng Mahatao MarkerParish Church of San Carlos Borromeo of Mahatao | Simbahan ng Mahatao Marker is a Marked Structure, NHCP; National Cultural Treasure, National Museum located at Mahatao, Batanes, Region II.
Marker Text:
Simbahan ng Mahatao
Itinayo sa ilalim ng patronahe ni San Carlos Borromeo, 1787. Nasira ng bagyo, 1872. Muling itinayo ni P. Cresencio Polo, O.P., 1873. Itinaas ng mga Katipunero ang bandila ng Katipunan sa kampanaryo, 19 Setyembre 1898. Pinalitan ng bubong na yero, ika-20 siglo. Tinanggal ang koro, noong mga taong 1990. Ipinahayag ng Pambansang Museo bilang Yamang Pangkalinangan, 31 Hulyo 2001.
Year Unveiled: 2000
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The church is made of stone and lime, common building materials in Batanes. An espadaña belfry is located on top of the facade's pediment with one of its bells dated 1874. The church has uneven wall thickness due to addition of step buttresses and even buttress walls.[2] Its interiors, decorated in Baroque style, showcase floral designs sunburst ornaments painted in polychrome and gilt which lends a golden glow among the statuary. The main retablo houses images of Saint Charles Borromeo, patron, on the center and surrounded by Saint Joseph, Saint Dominic de Guzman and Saint Rose of Lima. Two minor altar housing the image of the Our Lady of the Rosary on the right and of the Holy Child on the left of the central altar can also be found.
On the right side of the facade is the church convent. The second floor of the convent is not the typical volada or cantilevered gallery for convents in the Philippines but an open extended deck. At the back of the convent are remains of an old circular well. Located on the left side of the facade is a beacon used for navigation.