St. Francis Church Signage

The first sight most travellers get of Siquijor is the "Welcome to Siquijor" sign, a popular photo stop set up by the local government right in front of St. Francis of Assisi Church — also known as Siquijor Church — just a short walk from the port terminal in Siquijor Town.

The parish was established in 1783, and the coral-stone church seen today was completed in 1831. It follows a simple cruciform floor plan with bare white walls and dark wood beam trims, and originally had a nipa (thatch) roof that was later replaced with tin. A separate adobe bell tower on higher ground beside the church once doubled as a watchtower against pirate and Moro raids, with the adjoining convent used as a refuge for townsfolk during attacks.

It's a quick stop rather than a destination in itself: take your photo at the sign, then step inside for a look at the coral stonework before continuing your island tour.