BACARRA, Bell Tower

 Hi, I'm John jesreel Ramos. Welcome to Bacarra

Standing at around 50 meters tall, the red-bricked tower is structured with tiers, giving it al majestic and slightly pyramid-like shape that narrows towards the top. Despite its rugged appearance, with visible cracks and exposed brickwork, the tower exudes charm and resilience. The Bacarra Bell Tower, also known as the Torre Ti Bacarra or the Acrobatic Bell Tower, is one of the oldest and most historically significant structures in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. This bell tower was originally constructed in 1593 by Spanish Augustinian friars, serving as both a bell tower and watchtower to guard against invasions. The tower was part of the larger Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish complex in Bacarra, which was built to serve as a religious and administrative center during the Spanish colonial era. Over the centuries, the Bacarra Bell Tower has endured numerous earthquakes, storms, and even wars, which have left it in various states of disrepair. The most significant damage occurred during the 1983 earthquake, which partially destroyed the third tier of the bell tower, leaving only two tiers intact and giving it its famous leaning appearance. The tower's lean, along with its ability to "defy gravity" despite structural damage, earned it the nickname "Acrobatic Bell Tower."