The Town that Would Never Sink : Narvacan

(This is part of my Ilocos Sur townhopping last June 15-16, 2013)

I have reached Narvacan only 15-20 minutes after leaving the town of Santa Maria. I have included the town in my itinerary because I read from somewhere that it has a beautiful church with centuries old of history tucked within it. As I am really a history and heritage structure buff, I know I have to visit this town. 

Narvacan Church. Ilocos Sur.

The first thing I have seen upon arriving at the town is their spacious plaza in front of a modernly-designed town hall. The Narvacan Plaza is currently undergoing some renovation when I get there so I didn't manage to get good shots of it. It actually has a fountain designed as a galleon, which I am assuming is a reference to the story how the town got it's name.

Narvacan Town Hall. Ilocos Sur

The town supposedly got its name due to an event that would later shape the town's history itself. Narvacan was, according to local history, discovered by Captain Juan de Salcedo, leader of the Spanish expeditionary force sent from Vigan. Captain Salcedo's group was shipwrecked along the town's coast and while the natives are rescuing them, they asked what is the name of the place. The leader of the natives, not knowing any Spanish language only managed to ask back, in Ilokano, "Narbakan?", meaning "are you shipwrecked?". The Spaniards thought this was the name of the place and from then on, that place was called "Narvacan". 

Narvacan Church. Ilocos Sur.

The town's crowning glory, except from "Paraiso ni Juan" (a grotto built atop the rock near the shore of the town where Juan de Salcedo's group was shipwrecked), is it's many centuries old church. The Narvacan Parish was established in 1587, a good 400 years plus before now. Said parish formerly administers the visitas, now towns, of Santa Maria, Santiago and San Esteban, all of Ilocos Sur.

Narvacan Church Altar. Ilocos Sur.

The stone church was a casualty of different calamities such as earthquake, fire, and war bombs, but is rebuilt and restored each time. The present church, probably built in 1701 according to biyahero.net, is still a restoration of early 17th century structure. It goes to show that the present church is almost the same as the church that was seen by many generations before us!

Narvacan Church Interior. Ilocos Sur.

The church interior is somewhat modern. Though the thick walls of the church, noticeable in the part where the windows are attached, tells the age when the church was built, all other elements of the church interior is of present age. One place where one can find a trace of the church's old age is on its side where original parts of the doorway were left as is, showing the design and materials used before. 

Narvacan Church. Side doorway. Ilocos Sur.

The church's bell tower can be found on the church's right side, a distance away from the main church. This bell tower is not part of the original complex but was a later addition of Fray Jose Rosenio in 1864.

Narvacan Bell Tower. Ilocos Sur.

I was definitely awed by the beauty of Narvacan Church. One problem I just noticed is the many dangling spaghetti wires in front of the church obstructing the structure's beautiful view. Narvacan is very lucky to have a very beautiful heritage structure of its own so I think the local government should help in preserving it and do something on keeping its beauty by keeping away problems as petty as dangling wires.

Aside from the church, the town plaza, and Paraiso ni Juan, Narvacan also has Sulvec Beach, the Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park (a stronghold of Gabriela Silang during Ilokano's battle for freedom) and Spanish-era Watchtower as some of its spots worthy of visiting. 

The town's historicity and the continued effort of Narvacan people to preserve its history and heritage properties as well as their aim to get Narvacan known throughout the country (read about it here) is a clear indication that Narvacan would definitely not sink to the bottom like what happened to Juan Salcedo's ship.

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To know more about my Ilocos Sur Tour, please keep posted for detailed posts about the different towns I have been to in the coming days. Thanks! 

For the meantime, visit:

A Blast from  the Past : Ilocos Sur
Sinait : A Town of Legend
Strolling around Cabugao, Ilocos Sur
Magsingal : A Town of Wanderers
San Vicente : the Barrio Destined to Become a Town
The Heritage City of Candon

A Visit to a Town Called Santa Lucia
Santa : The Town with a Long Name
Santa Maria Church : A UNESCO World Heritage Site
A Walking Tour Around Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur