What style mostly influences Philippine churches?

Philippine churches are largely influenced by the Baroque style, particularly during the Spanish colonial period. Baroque architecture is characterized by grandeur, dramatic use of light and shadow, intricate details, and a sense of movement. This style was prominent in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries and was adapted in the Philippines, where it was used to construct cathedrals and other religious structures.

The adaptation of Baroque elements in Philippine churches is evident in their elaborate facades, ornate altars, and the use of local materials, which blend European design with indigenous features. Churches built in this style often emphasize verticality, with towering belfries and impressive entrances, mirroring the grandiosity found in Baroque architecture elsewhere in the world.

In contrast, while Romanesque architecture with its rounded arches and heavy structure influenced some early churches, it did not dominate the overall church design in the Philippines. Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical styles, which emphasize symmetry and classical elements, came later and are less representative of the predominant influences during the period of major church construction in the Philippines. Thus, the Baroque style stands out as the central influence in shaping the character and aesthetics of Philippine ecclesiastical architecture.