Among the many Spanish-American era churches in Cebu, the church of the southern barangay of Nueva Caceres is an average example. The place of the modern Nueva Caceres was once called Ivisan and was once the visita of the far away Sialo or Carcar. In the year 1690 the place where Nueva Caceres would become a visita of was changed to that of Boljoon. Later in the 1800s the name Ivisan was changed to Nueva Caceres because of homesick Spanish priests and officials. It is now under the patronage of San Jose.
The church and convent of Nueva Caceres was built in 1812-1828 by the Warrior Priest himself Fr. Jualian Bermejo who was most likely the parish priest of Boljoon at the time. The church was made of coral stone and the convent of Tabique pampango wood. The church was plastered with cement concealing its original Coral stone like many other churches in Cebu. Fortunately the multi-century old convent was spared from destruction and renovation with most of its wooden panels and planks still original and intact.
When looking at the facade it is simple, it comes down to these elements. The first being 4 large fluted pilasters dividing the facade. Then arches divide the facade into 3 floors. To the right is the newer Belltowe, similar to the one in Pitalo, San Fernando though less ornate. The churches beell is still functional though it has not been rung recently. Behind the church is a large Baluarte/Watchtower built by Julian Bermejo’s efforts.
The entire church complex was once walled like the Church Complex of Boljoon though through the ravages of time this has disappeared. Though two watchtowers remain at the back of the church, but one has deteriorated greatly and one is starting to collapse.
