Church of St. Ursula
The centuries-old Church of St. Ursula, at the poblacion, was first built by Franciscan friars as a chapel in the late 16th century to gain access to native settlers around Laguna de Bay.
The church’s Baroque facade
The present church, started in 1792 and completed in 1800, was renovated in 1853. At the same time, the adjacent convent was rebuilt, under Fr. Francisco de Paula Gomez.
NHC Plaque
AUTHOR’S NOTES:
The two-level, Baroque façade has a semicircular arch main entrance, flanked by four sets of rectangular pilasters , at the first level. The second level, flanked by rectangular pilasters topped by urn-like finials, has three sets of semicircular arch windows (the bigger one in the center) framed by flat pilasters and topped by triangular pediments.
The triangular pediment has a rose window in the center. Between the façade and the bell tower, on the second level, is a statue of St. Ursula. The lovely three-storey, octagonal bell tower, on the church’s right, rests on a square base and has semicircular arch blind and open recesses. It is topped by a dome and a cross.
The church’s interior
Inside, the church (like that of Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary in Baras) has no ceiling and its wooden trusses are exposed giving it a rustic look.
Check out “Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary”
The exposed ceiling
The altar and retablo
Church of St. Ursula: Paterno St., Brgy. Libid, Binangonan, Rizal. View Map>>>Tel: (02) 8652-3423. Feast of St. Ursula: October 21.
How to Get There: Binangonan is located 32.5 kms. (a one hour and 20 min. drive), via Manila East Rd./R-5,from Manila and 25.4 kms. (a 1-hour drive), via E Bank Rd. and Manila East Rd., from Antipolo City.