The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower is one of Laoag City’s most famous landmarks in fact one of the top Ilocos Norte tourist attractions. In the heart of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, it stands a towering relic of colonial history and architectural intrigue, the Sinking Bell Tower. Rising approximately 45 meters into the sky, this 17th-century structure is not only one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines but also one of its most mysterious. Aptly named for its gradual descent into the earth, the tower has captivated historians, engineers, and travelers alike for centuries.

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

Constructed by Augustinian friars around 1612, the Sinking Bell Tower was built to serve the adjacent St. William’s Cathedral, a church that itself bears the marks of Spanish influence with its earthquake-baroque design. The tower’s robust form is made primarily of locally sourced bricks, bound together with a mixture of molasses, lime, and sand—a traditional building technique that has helped it withstand the test of time and the frequent earthquakes of the region.

Despite its age, the tower still functions as a belfry, calling the faithful to mass with its resonant chimes. Its design reflects the religious fervor and architectural ambition of the Spanish missionaries who sought to establish enduring symbols of Christianity throughout the archipelago.

The structure is claimed to be the most solid and tallest bell tower in the Philippines. This massive 45-meter (150 foot) bell tower was also built by the Augustinians in 1612. The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower is sinking as it is so heavy and was built on sandy foundations which are too soft.  They say that a person was once able to once ride on horseback into the tower and now a person has to stoop to get through the vaulted entrance. They also allow tourists to climb the stairs to the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower belfry. So make sure you do this climb.

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower - St Williams Cathedral

The Spanish era St. William's Cathedral is one the largest in the Philippines. The foundations for the cathedral were laid in 1612 by Augustinian friars who replaced the original wooden chapel. The fame also comes from its striking Italian Renaissance style and it’s Sinking Bell Tower, which is sinking at about an inch per year. 

Laoag Sinking Bell Tower cathedral has a rather unusual two-storey façade. This façade is supported by two pair of columns located on each side of the arched entrance. The top of this façade has a recessed niche with an image of the Laoag City patron saint, San Guillermo (Saint William).

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower also features windows that are made from capiz along with wrought iron screens. The cathedral also has timber double doors along with the signs Alpha y Omega. The altar also carries cultural religious images. What is also important is that Catholics still use the cathedral for Mass on Sundays and special holy days, it is not just a relic it is part of everyday life after 400 years.

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower cathedral was built using lime that was mixed with molasses for strength, and then with large stones, gravel and sand. Timber was used to make the roof support trusses, that were originally made from cogon grass and then later of nipa.

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

The most intriguing feature of the Laoag Bell Tower is its slow descent into the ground—estimated at about one inch per year. This phenomenon is attributed to the sandy foundation upon which it was built. Unlike modern structures that rely on deep concrete pilings, the tower rests on a base ill-suited for its massive weight. Over time, the soft soil has yielded to gravity, causing the tower to sink gradually and uniformly.

Interestingly, the tower does not lean or tilt like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Instead, it sinks vertically, maintaining its structural integrity despite the downward movement. This has led some to speculate that, barring any major geological events, the tower could continue its descent for centuries without collapsing.

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

Today, the Sinking Bell Tower is more than just a historical artifact—it’s a cultural icon. Located along A. Bonifacio Street, it’s easily accessible by foot or tricycle from anywhere in Laoag City. Visitors are greeted by its weathered façade, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by bustling vendors and local shops.

Although entry into the tower is restricted to authorized personnel due to safety concerns, tourists can still admire its grandeur from the outside. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the golden light casts dramatic shadows across its brickwork, making it a photographer’s dream.

Nearby attractions such as the St. William Cathedral, Museo Ilocos Norte, and the La Paz Sand Dunes offer a well-rounded experience of Ilocos Norte’s rich heritage and natural beauty. For those interested in deeper historical context, the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum provide insights into the region’s political legacy.

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

As they revamped, restored and repaired the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower church, this changed again to taleb, which is a corrugated galvanized iron sheet that is made with bamboo.

The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower church was extensively damaged by a typhoon in 1640, and then by an earthquake in 1706, and then by a fire in 1843. The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower was then restored in 1880. Surely no church has withstood such a natural onslaught and survived as has the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower. Click on this link to find out more about Pagudpud. Pagudpud Ilocos and all you need to know about Laoag Sinking Bell Tower.