Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Sta. Ana
A coral-stone Romanesque parish church in Barili's town center, built from 1889 and the only Cebu parish dedicated to St. Anne.
The overview
About Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Sta. Ana
The Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Sta. Ana sits in the town center of Barili, one of the older parishes in southern Cebu, founded in 1614 after Augustinian friars established a mission station there in 1604. The current stone church was begun in February 1889 under parish priest Fr. Juan Alcoseba, built on land donated by Don Carlos Alquizola, with a coral-stone foundation gathered by parishioners and schoolchildren from the ruins of an earlier riverside church that had repeatedly flooded. The facade is done in a Romanesque style with soft pastel tones accented in russet and white, four rectangular pilasters framing a wide arched main entrance, and niches set into the front for statues of saints. A separate bell tower was added on the gospel side in the 1950s. The church was elevated to archdiocesan shrine status on July 24, 2005, the same date as its annual feast in honor of St. Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, marked locally through the Kaumahan Festival. As the only parish in Cebu dedicated to St. Anne, it remains a stop for heritage and pilgrimage visits to South Cebu's old Spanish-era churches.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Coral-stone church built starting 1889
- Romanesque facade with pastel and russet tones
- Only Cebu parish dedicated to St. Anne
- Archdiocesan shrine since 2005
- Separate 1950s bell tower
- Annual Kaumahan Festival on July 24
- 1 Dress modestly and keep quiet during Mass hours. Time a visit around the July 24 feast day if you want to see the Kaumahan Festival. The parish office is open mornings and afternoons on weekdays for inquiries. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus or van bound for Barili Poblacion (about 2-2.5 hours). The church sits in the town center, within walking distance of the public market and terminal.
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Entrance Fee
Free (donations welcome)
Opening Hours
Parish office 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM daily; church open for Mass
Duration
30-45 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Anytime; July 24 for the Sta. Ana feast and Kaumahan Festival
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