HERITAGE

Pulilan Cemetery

In all, there are over 30 heritage structures in the town located mostly in the Dampol and Poblacion areas with the church serving as the centerpiece.

But what piques interest is its late 18th-century cemetery directly located beside the church.

Pulilan's cemetery is one of at least five cemeteries in the province that are located on the church compound, meaning their church officials did not heed an order by Spanish authorities in the mid-19th century to transfer cemeteries at least a kilometer away from churches due to sanitary reasons.

Cemeteries prior to that order are normally located on either the Gospel and Epistle sides as well as the back of the church.

In the same compound of the church, A cemetery otherwise known as "CAMPO SANTO" still exist and what is unique about it is that at the top of the gate is a niche of the prominent Don Catalino Castillo.

Other Bulacan churches which have retained their cemeteries to this day at the vicinity of the church are Meycauayan, Marilao, Calumpit, Obando and Bulakan.

Pulilan's cemetery still has its perimeter walls made from adobe and an interesting three-level stone and brick gate topped by an arched pediment. It has niches normally reserved for priests or prominent individuals.


However, what makes it unique is the second level which if seen from the front, may just look like an ordinary part but is actually a niche that can be reached through a flight of stairs on the side.

A grave marker dated 1968 indicates the last one interred is Don Catalino Castillo, a member of one of the prominent families of the town.

This unique feature of the cemetery gate is the only one of its kind in the country.

Aside from these, the cemetery also has two stately Art Deco graves of the Cruz and Calderon families located near the apse of the church.