This interesting and picturesque church is situated near the sea, one kilometer off the highway. It was first built by Fr. Pedro Torrices from 1849-1855 and was finished by Father Luis Lagar in 1875. In 1886, Fr. Jose Rodriguez Prada restored the church and built a belfry. A convent, built by Fr. Rafael Redondo, was eventually destroyed.
Its one-storey Neo-Baroque facade has well emphasized super-positioned coupled piers; a horizontal string cornice designed with block modillon and a undulating Baroque-style triangular pediment. The three-centered depressed arch main entrance, flanked by semicircular arched windows, has jambs bordered by protruding blocks of stone. A circular window, on the choir loft, has lace-like carvings. The bell tower on the right is a new construction.
Address. National Highway, Santa, Ilocos Sur. Tel: (077) 725 5033. Feast of St. Catherine, Virgin and Martyr: November 25.
How to Get There: Santa is located 366.8 kms. from Manila and 41.2 kms. south of Vigan City.