The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, commonly known as Santa Maria Church, is a prominent Roman Catholic basilica in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, also recognized as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and Santa Maria Pro-Cathedral. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993, it’s one of the four “Baroque Churches of the Philippines,” celebrated for its distinct Spanish-era Baroque architecture. Currently serving as the Pro-Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia while the Vigan Cathedral undergoes repairs, this unique structure of bricks and mortar stands atop a hill, having historically functioned as a lookout, a citadel, and a religious center during four centuries of Spanish administration. As such, it’s a significant draw for both tourists and Catholic devotees in Ilocos Sur, reminding them of the region’s rich colonial past.