Old Sta. Teresa de Ávila Church
A Spanish-era parish church built in 1836-1848, declared an archdiocesan shrine in 2007 and a Holy Week pilgrimage stop.
The overview
About Old Sta. Teresa de Ávila Church
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Teresa de Ávila, commonly known as Talisay Church, is the Spanish-era parish church of Talisay City, built between 1836 and 1848 after the area was separated from San Nicolas parish and declared independent under Fr. Juan Soriano by royal decree that same year. The facade follows a classical Graeco-Roman style, with twin bell towers linked by a porch and two supporting columns. The church suffered damage over the centuries, including a typhoon that destroyed its original clay-tile roof (replaced with iron sheets in 1877) and heavy bombardment toward the end of World War II that leveled the adjoining convent, though the facade largely survived. On October 15, 2007, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal declared the church an archdiocesan shrine, coinciding with its fiesta. Today it remains an active parish under the Archdiocese of Cebu and is a stop on Visita Iglesia routes during Holy Week, drawing visitors for both its history and its venerated image of Sta. Teresa de Ávila.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Built 1836-1848 in Graeco-Roman style
- Original twin bell towers from the Spanish era
- Declared archdiocesan shrine in 2007
- Popular Visita Iglesia stop during Holy Week
- Facade survived heavy WWII damage
- Active parish under the Archdiocese of Cebu
- 1 Dress modestly and keep quiet during mass hours. Weekday mornings are best for photographing the facade without Sunday crowds. Check with the parish office for the current mass schedule if you plan to attend a service.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City, take a Talisay-bound jeepney or bus from the South Bus Terminal (20-30 minutes) to Talisay Poblacion; the church is near the city plaza and walkable from the drop-off point.
Before you go
Frequently asked
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Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
Daylight hours; mass schedule varies (confirm with parish office)
Duration
30-45 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; October 15 for its fiesta and shrine anniversary.
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