Churches & Temples

Old Sta. Teresa de Ávila Church

Talisay City, Cebu

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.

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

Tips for Visitors

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.

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.