Punta Cruz Watchtower
| Punta Cruz Watchtower | |
|---|---|
Punta Cruz Watchtower
|
|
| Alternative names |
|
| General information | |
| Status | National Cultural Treasure |
| Type | Watchtower |
| Town or city | Maribojoc, Bohol |
| Country | Philippines |
| Coordinates | 9°44′06″N 123°47′24″E / 9.73500°N 123.79000°ECoordinates: 9°44′06″N 123°47′24″E / 9.73500°N 123.79000°E |
| Completed | 1796 |
| Owner | Municipality of Maribojoc |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Stones and wood |
| Website | |
| Punta Cruz Historical Watchtower | |
The Fort of Saint Vincent Ferrer (Fuerte de San Vicente Ferrer) or commonly known as Punta Cruz Watchtower (Bantayan ng Punta Cruz) is a Spanish colonial era watchtower located at the western tip of the municipality of Maribojoc, Bohol, Philippines. Also known as Maribojoc Watchtower because of its geographical location, it is located three kilometers (1.9 mi) away from Maribojoc Church. It is known for being the "only perfect isosceles triangle" tower-fort structure in the Philippines.
The watchtower experienced moderate to serious damage based on a technical assessment done by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts after the 2013 Bohol earthquake.
Oriented northeast, the watchtower was used as a defense system against Moro pirates from the south. It was built under Augustinian Recollect priest Father Manuel Sanchez de Nuestra Sra. del Tremendal and was finished in 1796. Made of cut coral stones, its base is shaped as a perfect isosceles triangle connected to a short hexagonal tower on the second level. The tower is known for being the "only perfect isosceles triangle" tower-fort structure in the Philippines. It has several levels (or floors). Its central room contains a niche for religious image, in particular of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Wooden beams that support masonry walls are still present inside.
The Spanish coat-of-arms and an inscription highlighted by reddish earth tint can be seen at the tower's entrance.
The tower is dedicated to the secondary patron of Maribojoc, San Vicente Ferrer, as shown on the inscriptions on the tower entrance and an image of the saint inside.
Adjacent to the watchtower is a wooden cross in a rock clip facing the sea. The people of Maribojoc, being under the patronage of the Holy Cross, believe that they are protected by the Holy Cross from Moro pirates.
...
Wikipedia