San Carlos Borromeo Church

San Carlos Borromeo Church, commonly known as Mahatao Church, is a historic Roman Catholic stone church in Mahatao on Batan Island, Batanes, Philippines. Built by Dominican missionaries between 1873 and 1889, it features thick limestone and coral walls, a simple Baroque facade and a hillside setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Declared a National Cultural Treasure, it remains an active parish and a prominent heritage landmark showcasing Ivatan stone architecture and Spanish colonial religious heritage.

Visitors can expect a small, well-preserved stone church set on a hillside overlooking the sea in Mahatao, about 6 km south of Basco. The exterior shows thick limestone and coral walls, a modest Baroque facade, wooden doors and a separate bell tower. Inside is a simple nave with an altar dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, religious images and wooden pews. The surrounding grounds offer coastal views, photo opportunities and a quiet atmosphere as an active parish church.

Constructed between 1873 and 1889 under Dominican priest Fr. Crescencio Polo with Ivatan labor using limestone, coral blocks and lime mortar. It replaced earlier smaller chapels in Mahatao and was built to endure Batanes' frequent typhoons and earthquakes. The church is recognized as a National Cultural Treasure and exemplifies Spanish colonial ecclesiastical architecture adapted to Ivatan building traditions.

Dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, patron of Mahatao, the church serves as the spiritual center of the municipality and reflects the deep Catholic faith of the Ivatan community. It represents the integration of Dominican missionary heritage, local craftsmanship and environmental adaptation that defines Batanes cultural identity.