Ermita ng Kampo Santo ng Barasoain
Malolos has played a significant role in Philippine history that one of its most notable structures, the Barasoain Church has been called the “Cradle of the First Philippine Republic.” Its history is so rich that numerous lesser-known historical structures are all over the city, going unnoticed, slowly fading in the background of everyday life. One of these structures is the Ermita ng Kampo Santo ng Barasoain.
Located in the Barasoain Cemetery approximately 500 meters from the ,church complex, it is one of the more striking buildings in the area. Built in 1859, it was also known as the Jacinto mausoleum where the remains of a prominent Maloleño family were interred. The two names pointing to the same structure might have come from its aesthetics and location; with its distinctive design complete with religious stone statues, one can easily mistake it for a chapel.
As of this writing, the structure now serves as the cemetery’s columbarium albeit with a more modern design. Where the remains of the family that once called it their resting place or the statues of the angels that used to stood there on guard are remains a question to be answered. According to the sepulturero of the cemetery, the mausoleum’s ruin was brought about by the passage of time and renovation took place in 2021. Fortunately, original parts of the ermita were preserved and can still be seen today.
