St. John the Baptist Church

St. John the Baptist Church, commonly known as Bato Church, is a historic Roman Catholic parish church located in the town of Bato in Catanduanes Province, Philippines. Built in the 19th century during the Spanish colonial period using mortar and coral limestone, it is regarded as the oldest church structure remaining in the province. The church features a stone facade, wooden interiors and a separate bell tower, and continues to serve as the spiritual center for the local community.

Visitors can expect a Spanish-era stone church in the town center of Bato, with a simple facade, coral stone walls, wooden interior details, religious images and a freestanding belfry. The setting is a quiet town plaza environment surrounded by local houses and municipal buildings. Visitors can view the exterior architecture, enter the nave for prayer and quiet reflection, observe Mass when scheduled, and take photographs of the historic structure and its surroundings.