San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church
An 1864 Spanish-era parish church in San Remigio's poblacion, known for its espadana facade and a 2012 pre-colonial burial find nearby.
The overview
About San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church
San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church is the historic Roman Catholic church of San Remigio's town center, established as a parish on March 23, 1864 after the area was separated from the neighboring Bogo parish. The church itself was built shortly after, on April 12, 1864, under the town's first parish priest, Fr. Ceferino Montecillo. The area was formerly known as Kanhagas before being renamed for the parish's patron saint, John Nepomucene. The church's facade follows an espadana-influenced design with eight pilasters dividing it into seven vertical sections, a rectangular three-part entrance door topped with large volutes, and a recessed niche for the patron saint framed by three progressively raised arches of fluted pilasters. A bell tower rises on the gospel side, capped with a red pyramidal roof, giving the structure a silhouette typical of Spanish-era Cebu churches. The parish's feast day, honoring St. John Nepomuk, falls on May 16 and coincides with San Remigio's Lapyahan Festival. In 2012, an archaeological dig near the church uncovered a burial site believed to date to the 1500s, adding a pre-colonial layer to the church grounds' history.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Built in 1864 under Fr. Ceferino Montecillo
- Triangular espadana-style facade with eight pilasters
- Bell tower with a red pyramidal roof
- Feast day tied to the Lapyahan Festival (May 16)
- Site of a 2012 archaeological dig uncovering 1500s-era burials
- Centerpiece of San Remigio's poblacion
- 1 Dress modestly and keep quiet during active Masses. Check locally for Mass schedules if you want to attend a service. Best visited in the cooler morning hours or during the Lapyahan Festival in mid-May for added local color. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a bus or van bound for San Remigio/Bogo (~2.5-3 hours). The church sits in the poblacion, a short tricycle or walking distance from the town's public market and bus stop.
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Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
Daylight hours; Mass schedule varies (confirm locally)
Duration
30-45 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Morning hours, or during the Lapyahan Festival in mid-May
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