Philippines Tourism

Another mission that doubled originally as a fortress is Nuestra Seņora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria town of Ilocos Sur, a province on the country's northwestern seaboard. The citadel complex was the hub for evangelizing pagan peoples living in adjacent highlands. The best way to appreciate the architectural mood is to ascend the church's grand stairway of 85 wide steps starting at the town proper. Another stairway descends to a circular cemetery overwhelmed by exuberant foliage and an air of romanticism.

Location : Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur
Operating Hours : Church open daily and during masses and services Visits may also be scheduled

Getting there :
- Takes around 8 hours ride from Manila via Pan-Pacific Highway
- Takes around 45 minutes from Manila by plane to Laoag City Airport
- From Manila: Accessible by Public Utility Buses plying the route- Manila-Laoag or Manila-Vigan such as Partas, Maria de Leon and Fariņas Buses
-From Laoag, Ilocos Norte: Accessible by Public Utility Buses such as Partas, Maria de Leon, Fariņas and Martinez Buses (2 -3 hours ride)

---

Philippines Tourism