Saint Anne Parish Church: A Testament to Taguig's Timeless Faith and Heritage
The Saint Anne Parish Church, an enduring symbol of Taguig's rich historical and religious heritage, enchants visitors with its splendid Baroque architecture, storied past, and vibrant annual celebrations such as the Sta. Anang Banak Taguig River Festival. Home to the Museo de Sta. Ana, it provides an insightful glimpse into the region's religious journey since 1857.
The Saint Anne Parish Church, also known as Santa Ana Church, stands resplendently in the bustling locale
of Barangay Santa Ana, Taguig, by the serene Taguig River. Constructed in 1587 by the Augustinians,
the church is dedicated to Saint Anne, the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ, and has borne witness
to centuries of history, faith, and resilience.
The church, a masterpiece of barn-style Baroque architecture, has been subject to the test of time and
nature. Its original iteration, constructed by Hernando Guerrero, was heavily damaged in the
1645 Luzon earthquake. The church was reconstructed in 1848 by Andres Diaz, only to be decimated again
by another tremor in 1882. It was Patricio Martin who initiated the construction of the church we
see today in 1883, with the project seen through to completion by his successor, Guillermo Diaz.
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The church premises also include a cemetery with a unique feature: an old funerary chapel known
as the Simboryo. Constructed in the 1700s, the chapel is both quaint
and captivating, with its ground level serving as a bone repository. Nearby, a century-old Acacia tree towers majestically,
adding to the historical ambiance of the site.
Santa Ana Church also houses the Museo de Sta. Ana, an invaluable treasure trove of religious artifacts
and relics dating back to 1857. These exhibits offer insight into Taguig's rich religious culture
and history. Visitors to the museum can trace the footsteps of history and understand the
area's spiritual journey over the centuries.
The Church commemorates the feast day of St. Anne and Joachim on July 26 with the Sta.
Anang Banak Taguig River Festival. This vibrant parade involves participants in colorfully
adorned boats and onlookers by the riverbanks engaging in a joyful exchange of fruits and native
delicacies. It's an event that not only celebrates the town's patroness but also breathes life
into the cultural traditions of Taguig.
Visitors, whether they're devout Catholics seeking spiritual solace or tourists fascinated by
history and architecture, are enamored by the church's medieval design. The external grandeur
of the church is complemented by its astonishing interior, while the vast churchyard offers
ample parking for churchgoers.
In 2022, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments designated
the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne as a minor basilica, further attesting to its religious significance.
Regardless of your religious inclinations, Saint Anne Parish Church stands as a testament to
Taguig's historical, architectural, and cultural richness, providing an enriching cultural experience
to visitors.
