Simboryo

The Simborio, an 18th-century, dome-shaped structure in Sta. Ana Cemetery, Taguig, Philippines, serves as a significant historical and cultural monument, encapsulating the Spanish-era architecture and symbolizing a unique repository for bones and the final blessings of the departed. Despite challenges from urbanization, vandalism, and natural decay, efforts are being made to preserve this architectural marvel that serves as a testament to the region's rich heritage.

Tucked away in the heart of barangay Tuktukan in Taguig City, the Simboryo is a unique architectural treasure that whispers stories of centuries past. Constructed in the early 1700s under the supervision of Spanish friars, this dome-shaped structure is a cultural treasure of the Philippines.

Housed within the boundaries of the Santa Ana Cemetery, the Simboryo stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of its creators. Composed of undersized adobe stonewalls, the dome-shaped edifice is held together by a mixture of lime, egg white, and clay. At eight meters in height and 173 square meters in total size, the structure is quite imposing. An elegant 11-step stairway leads up to a grand arched entrance door, with a snake-shaped symbol adorning the top of the main door and a cross crowning the dome itself.

Simboryo video on Youtube (Tagalog) by Kuya Dhenz:
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Once inside, you'll be greeted by the site's rich history. It has served as a chapel, a repository of bones, and a resting place for several prominent figures of Taguig's past. Stories from yesteryears suggest that the structure even conceals a now-sealed underground tunnel which once connected to the altar of St. Anne church and served as an escape route during times of war.

While the Simboryo has withstood the test of time, it is not without its struggles. The structure bears the scars of vandalism and signs of neglect, with plants sprouting on its stone walls and debris littering its surroundings. However, efforts for preservation and conservation have been made, including minor renovations in 1980 and 1993, and the installation of lighting and security personnel to deter vandals.

Visiting the Simboryo is like stepping into a time machine. It's not just the tangible aspects of the structure that captivate, but also the intangible. Stories of supernatural occurrences swirl around the Simboryo, adding an air of mystery to the site. Some locals have claimed to encounter apparitions of a headless priest, a white lady, and even a tikbalang, a creature of local folklore. While these tales may be mere legends, they add a unique flavor to the Simboryo's already rich history.

Despite the trials it has faced, from floods to excavations and nearby construction threats, the Simboryo continues to stand, a symbol of the city's resilience. Today, it stands as one of the oldest historical landmarks continually existing in the Philippines, and has been proposed for listing in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) as a National Historical Landmark.

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