Molo Church (St. Anne’s Parish) | Iloilo City

Molo Church, formally known as St. Anne’s Parish, is a historic Gothic-Renaissance church in the Molo district of Iloilo City. Built in 1831, it is famous for being the "Feminist Church" of the Philippines due to the all-female ensemble of saints lining its central aisle.

Visual Characteristics

The church is constructed from white coral rock and limestone, featuring a distinct Gothic-Renaissance facade with two red-domed bell towers. Its architectural highlights include pointed arches, intricate spires, and a grand altar. The interior is characterized by 16 statues of female saints-including St. Apollonia, St. Genevieve, and St. Monica-mounted on the pillars leading to the sanctuary.

Location & Access Logistics

The church is located at Molo Plaza, Molo District, Iloilo City.

Access: It faces the historic Molo Plaza, a central hub in the district.

Transport: Reachable via "Molo Timawa" or "Villa Baybay" jeepneys from the city center. Taxis and tricycles are readily available.

Operating Hours: Daily 05:30–20:00.

Fees: Entry is free.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed under the supervision of Fr. Pablo Montaño, the church was made using coral stones held together by a mortar of lime and egg whites. During World War II, it served as an evacuation center for civilians. In 1992, the National Historical Institute declared it a national landmark. The use of coral rock is a signature of Spanish-era coastal architecture in the Visayas.

Key Highlights & Activities

All-Female Saints: The 16 statues of female saints stand in contrast to the all-male saints of the Jaro Cathedral.

Molo Plaza: The adjacent plaza features a Greek-style gazebo surrounded by statues of Greek goddesses, complementing the church’s European architectural influence.

Religious Art: Viewing the elaborate murals and the main altar dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary.

Evening View: The church is illuminated at night, highlighting the red domes of the belfries.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes a parish office, a souvenir stall for religious items, and restrooms in the vicinity.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are very strong.

Accessibility: The main entrance is accessible, and the interior floor is level.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon (16:30–18:00) is the optimal time for photography and enjoying the breeze at Molo Plaza. The feast of St. Anne on July 26 is the most significant religious event.

Facts & Legends

A logistical fact is that the church survived several strong earthquakes that destroyed other colonial structures in Panay. Legend says that Dr. Jose Rizal visited the church in 1896, specifically to view the biblical paintings and the unique architecture during his journey back from exile in Dapitan.

Nearby Landmarks

Molo Mansion – Directly across the street

Iloilo Esplanade – 1.0km East

Jaro Cathedral – 4.5km Northeast

Iloilo City Hall – 3.5km East