Heritage
St. Peter & Paul Church
Built in the 1600s from coral stone — and still standing.
About this destination
What makes it worth it
The St. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bantayan town is one of the oldest churches in Cebu, originally built by Augustinian missionaries in the late 1500s and expanded through the Spanish colonial period. The structure is built from coral stone quarried from the surrounding reef, giving it a texture and weight that concrete churches can't replicate.
The church is still active — mass is held daily — and the adjacent plaza has the unhurried rhythm of a town centre that hasn't been redeveloped for tourism. Worth the 30-minute tricycle ride from Santa Fe.
Things to do
- Church and colonial architecture tour
- Bantayan town plaza walk
- Local market visit (mornings)
- Photography
Best time to visit
Year-round. Morning visits catch the golden light on the coral stone facade. Avoid Sunday mornings when mass attendance is heaviest.
How to get there
About 12km from Santa Fe by tricycle or jeepney (30 minutes). Easily combined with a visit to the Bantayan town market.
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St. Peter & Paul Church
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